By generating distress in interpersonal contexts and daily activities, social anxiety diminishes quality of life and limits academic and career potential. Socially anxious individuals are at risk for depression, substance abuse, and suicide if their condition persists without intervention.
Key Points
Rationale
Previous research shows loneliness is associated withanxiety,depression, and psychotic symptoms (Beutel et al., 2017; Badcock et al., 2015).
Loneliness also predicts future mental health issues, whereas the inverse does not hold true (Cacioppo et al., 2010; Lim et al., 2016).
Clinical trials demonstrate a bidirectional relationship between reductions in social anxiety and loneliness (O’Day et al., 2021). Social anxiety and depression are also interrelated (Fehm et al., 2008).
This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms linking loneliness, social anxiety, depression, and emotion dysregulation. Additionally, it examined how social isolation risk impacts these associations.
Method
This cross-sectional online survey measured loneliness, social isolation risk, social anxiety, depression, and emotion dysregulation in 1239 young adults (mean age 21.52 years, 77.2% female).
Sample
The sample comprised 1239 young adults recruited online, with a mean age of 21.52 years (SD = 2.32). The majority were female (77.2%).
Statistical Analysis
A moderated serial mediation model tested whether emotion dysregulation and depression mediate the loneliness-social anxiety link. Social isolation risk was examined as a moderator.
Results
Additionally, those with lower social isolation risk were protected from experiencing poorer mental health outcomes associated with loneliness.
Insight
By demonstrating loneliness precedes and contributes to social anxiety, these results bolster pastlongitudinal researchsuggesting a causal pathway.
The findings also highlight the mental health benefits of social bonds. Loneliness was less detrimental for those with more social connections. Thus, strengthening people’s social resources could mitigate anxiety/depression.
The mediating effects of dysfunctionalemotion regulationand low mood further suggest targeting these areas in clinical efforts.
Teaching coping strategies and mood management techniques, for instance,through CBT, could help alleviate distress from loneliness that otherwise may escalate into social anxiety disorder.
Strengths
Limitations
Implications
The study underscores the profound importance of belongingness for young people’s wellbeing.
Interventions aimed at fostering social connectedness, such as peer support networks, mentoring programs, or group therapies, may help prevent isolation and subsequent psychopathology.
On an individual level, clinicians should screen for loneliness and tailor treatment plans to address any deficits in emotion control or negativity biases that perpetuate anxiety.
Building emotion regulation skillsand targeting thought patterns through CBT,DBT, or positive psychology may relieve distress.
Regarding social resources, clinicians might help patients identify potential social supports and interpersonal sources of resilience.
Fostering meaningful bonds on campus, at work, in community or religious centers, or through shared interests can provide a buffer during distressing times.
References
Primary reference
Eres, R., Lim, M. H., & Bates, G. (2023). Loneliness and social anxiety in young adults: The moderating and mediating roles of emotion dysregulation, depression and social isolation risk.Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice.https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12469
Other references
Badcock, J. C., Shah, S., Mackinnon, A., Stain, H. J., Galletly, C., Jablensky, A., & Morgan, V. A. (2015). Loneliness in psychotic disorders and its association with cognitive function and symptom profile.Schizophrenia Research, 169(1), 268–273.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2015.10.027
Beutel, M. E., Klein, E. M., Brähler, E., Reiner, I., Jünger, C., Michal, M., Wiltink, J., Wild, P. S., Münzel, T., Lackner, K. J., & Tibubos, A. N. (2017). Loneliness in the general population: Prevalence, determinants and relations to mental health.BMC Psychiatry, 17(1), 97.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1262-x
Cacioppo, J. T., Hawkley, L. C., & Thisted, R. A. (2010). Perceived social isolation makes me sad: 5-year cross-lagged analyses of loneliness and depressive symptomatology in the Chicago Health, Aging, and Social Relations Study.Psychology and Aging, 25(2), 453–463.https://doi.org/10.1037/a0017216
Eres, R., Postolovski, N., Thielking, M., & Lim, M. H. (2020). Loneliness, mental health, and social health indicators in LGBTQIA+ Australians.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 91(3), 358–366.https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000531
Eres, R., Lim, M. H., Lanham, S., Jillard, C., & Bates, G. (2021). Loneliness and emotion regulation: Implications of having social anxiety disorder.Australian Journal of Psychology, 73(1), 46–56.https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2021.190449
Fehm, L., Beesdo, K., Jacobi, F., & Fiedler, A. (2008). Social anxiety disorder above and below the diagnostic threshold: Prevalence, comorbidity and impairment in the general population.Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 43(4), 257–265.
Lim, M. H., Eres, R., & Vasan, S. (2020). Understanding loneliness in the twenty-first century: An update on correlates, risk factors, and potential solutions.Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 55(7), 793–810.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-020-01889-7
O’Day, E. B., Butler, R. M., Morrison, A. S., Goldin, P. R., Gross, J. J., & Heimberg, R. G. (2021). Reductions in social anxiety during treatment predict lower levels of loneliness during follow-up among individuals with social anxiety disorder.Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 78, 102362.https://doi.org/10.1016/j/janxdis.2021.102362
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Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
