Adolescents' social anxiety dynamics in a latent transition analysis and its psychosocial effects

• Antonio Camacho ^[1] ; Rosario Ortega-Ruiz ^[1] ; Eva M. Romera ^[1]
  1. [1] Universidad de Córdoba

     Universidad de Córdoba

     Cordoba, España

     
• Localización: International journal of clinical and health psychology, ISSN 1697-2600, Vol. 22, Nº. 3, 2022, págs. 41-50
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Background/Objective The present study aims to explore the dynamics of social anxiety profiles in adolescents over time and the psychosocial effects these dynamics have.

    Method A representative sample of Andalusian (southern Spain) adolescents in Secondary Education was drawn. The study used single-stage stratified cluster sampling. A total of 2,140 students aged 11-16 years (47% girls; MageT1 = 13.68, SD = 1.27) were involved at two time points with a six-month interval.

    Results The results provided a four-profile structure: low social anxiety, moderate cognitive disturbance, high with difficulties in new situations, and high social anxiety. The latent transition analysis showed a stability in the social anxiety profiles of between 58%-61%. Those adolescents who remained in or transitioned to profiles with higher social anxiety scored worse on peer adjustment, peer victimization and subjective well-being.

    Conclusions The study may contribute the improvement of the psychological treatments in social anxiety and reduce adverse effects on peer relationships and well-being by distinguishing the profiles and their dynamics.