Social anxiety and accumulation of status loss events: The role of adulthood experiences

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesThe association between social anxiety (SA) and early‐life status loss events (SLEs) is well documented. However, such an association in adulthood is yet to be examined.MethodsTwo studies (N = 166 and N = 431) were conducted to address this question. Adult participants filled out questionnaires regarding SLEs accumulation during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, along with depression and SA severity measures.ResultsSA was associated with SLEs in adulthood over and above SLEs in childhood and adolescence, and depression.ConclusionThe adaptive role of SA in adulthood in the face of concrete and relevant status threats is discussed.