Adolescents' social anxiety dynamics in a latent transition analysis and its psychosocial effects

Background/Objective: The present study aims to explore the dynamics of social anxiety profiles in adolescents over time and the psychosocial effects these dynamics have. Method: A representative sample of Andalusian (southern Spain) adolescents in Secondary Education was drawn. The study used single-stage stratified cluster sampling. A total of 2,140 students aged 11-16 years (47% girls; M(age)T1 = 13.68, SD = 1.27) were involved at two time points with a six-month interval. Results: The results provided a four-profile structure: low social anxiety, moderate cognitive disturbance, high with difficulties in new situations, and high social anxiety. The latent transition analysis showed a stability in the social anxiety profiles of between 58%-61%. Those adolescents who remained in or transitioned to profiles with higher social anxiety scored worse on peer adjustment, peer victimization and subjective well-being. Conclusions: The study may contribute the improvement of the psychological treatments in social anxiety and reduce adverse effects on peer relationships and well-being by distinguishing the profiles and their dynamics. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

This study aims to explore the dynamics of social anxiety profiles in adolescents over time and the psychosocial effects these dynamics have. The results reveal four distinct social anxiety profiles and highlight the significant impact of social anxiety profiles on peer adjustment, peer victimization, and subjective well-being.