Relationship between Social Appearance Anxiety, Fear of Negative Evaluation and Emotion Regulation in Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between Social Appearance Anxiety, Fear of Negative Evaluation and Emotion regulation in Adolescents and Young Adults. Although extensive research about topics like Anxiety and Emotion regulation have taken place, the complex ever changing situation of the world and the development of advanced technology and social media creates the dire need to undertake research. Through purposive sampling, a total sample of 151 (72 males and 78 females) participants divided into 13-17 age groups (n=76) and 18-22 age groups (n=75) were considered for the study. A correlational research design and between groups research design was adopted. The results show that there is a significant positive correlation between Fear of Negative Evaluation and Social Appearance anxiety. Also, Expressive suppression; one of the components of Emotion Regulation was positively correlated with both Fear of Negative Evaluation and Social Appearance Anxiety.  However, it is found that there is no significant correlation between Cognitive reappraisal and any other variable. The results also show a significant difference on the basis of gender in Social Appearance Anxiety, i.e, Females had more SAA than males. However, no significant difference is seen on the basis of age.