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Unpacking social avoidance and substance use in social anxiety disorder: Does extraversion predict behavioral choices in college students?

Aurora, Pallavi
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3038-8400
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1554890081997227

Abstract Details

2019, MA, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychological Sciences.
Avoidance behaviors are central to the maintenance of anxiety disorders. Social avoidance and substance use are two distinct avoidance behaviors frequently used to manage anxiety and worry associated with social anxiety. However, little is known about why an individual with social anxiety may opt to use one avoidance behavior over the other. One key factor which could influence this behavioral choice is the personality dimension of extraversion. The present study sought to fill this gap in the literature by examining the relationship between social anxiety and substance use and social avoidance, while also considering the potential moderating role of extraversion. A sample of 195 college students completed self-report measures of social anxiety and extraversion and a 10-day experience sampling diary assessing the frequency of engaging in substance use and social avoidance. Results from the study indicate that higher levels of social anxiety increased the probability of future social avoidance and future substance use. Although there was no significant moderation of extraversion on social anxiety and social avoidance; results indicated that extraversion did moderate social anxiety and substance use. Overall, the findings suggest that extraversion could be a key factor predicting behavioral choices in individuals with social anxiety and therefore should be considered further in research and during treatment.
Karin Coifman (Advisor)
Jeffrey Ceisla (Committee Member)
John Updegraff (Committee Member)
45 p.
Psychology
Social anxiety, substance use, social avoidance, extraversion

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Aurora, P. (2019). Unpacking social avoidance and substance use in social anxiety disorder: Does extraversion predict behavioral choices in college students? [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1554890081997227

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Aurora, Pallavi. Unpacking social avoidance and substance use in social anxiety disorder: Does extraversion predict behavioral choices in college students? 2019. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1554890081997227.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Aurora, Pallavi. "Unpacking social avoidance and substance use in social anxiety disorder: Does extraversion predict behavioral choices in college students?" Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1554890081997227

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1554890081997227
238
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This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.