Fear of Negative Evaluation Leading to Body Image Avoidance and Social Anxiety Thoughts Among College Students

Abstract

The current discourse widely revolves around mental health, with a particular emphasis on the susceptibility of emerging adults to various mental health issues. This study aimed to investigate the connection between the fear of negative evaluation, resulting in body image avoidance and the emergence of social anxiety thoughts among college students. The study sample comprised 105 college students (50 males and 55 females) hailing from different regions in Kerala, specifically Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts. The participants fell within the age range of 18-25. To conduct this research, three main instruments were employed: the Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE) scale, the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ), and the Social Anxiety Thoughts (SAT) scale. The gathered data underwent analysis using pertinent statistical techniques, including ANOVA and the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results indicated a substantial correlation among fear of negative evaluation, body image avoidance, and social anxiety thoughts among young adults. Furthermore, the findings suggested that a robust positive correlation exists, implying no significant divergence in fear of negative evaluation, body image avoidance, and social anxiety thoughts among college students based on gender differences.