Social anxiety: risk factors of social interactional anxiety and performance anxiety among medical students
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Date
2002
Authors
Che Mat, Khairi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Social anxiety can be conceptualized into social interactional anxiety
and social performance anxiety as two broad categories of feared situations.
Assessment of social anxiety in medical students would help them understand the
situation and avoiding its consequences. Understanding its risk factors would enable
early detection and intervention.
To determine the factors associated with social anxiety according to Social
Performance Anxiety (SPS) and Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) among medical
students. The demographic determinants and correlation of depressive symptoms with
severe social anxiety will be assessed.
A cross sectional study with purposive sampling was conducted among first
year and fourth year medical students and first year health science students as a
comparison. The students were asked to fill-up a booklet with questionnaires of Social
Performance Anxiety (SPS), Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), State Trait Anxiety
Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory {801). Students were categorized into
two groups: those with severe social anxiety symptoms and those with low social anxiety
symptoms. Risk factors and associated clinical condition were assessed.
Social anxiety symptoms are more marked in first year students of both
faculties. Demographic factors that significantly associated with social anxiety were
female, Malay race, younger age and rural residence, while firstborn was not. Social
interactional anxiety and social performance anxiety are positively correlated with
depressive scores.
Social anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent in young adult and if goes
untreated would lead to academic difficulties and associated clinical condition such as
depression.
Description
Keywords
Social anxiety