Submissive behavior as a transdiagnostic construct: Associations with internalizing symptoms and distress intolerance

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveSubmissive behavior is associated with significant impairment and negative life outcomes. The goal of the present study was to determine the transdiagnostic nature of submissive behavior by observing its association with internalizing symptoms (i.e., social anxiety, depression, and worry) and distress intolerance. Additionally, we sought to determine the moderating role of gender in these relationships.MethodWe used a community sample (N = 208) to evaluate the hypothesized relationships between submissive behavior and internalizing symptoms.ResultsAll three internalizing symptoms were uniquely associated with greater submissive behavior when covarying for each other. Distress intolerance was also uniquely positively related to submissive behavior respective of general distress. Moderation analyses revealed that the associations between social anxiety, worry, and distress intolerance with submissive behavior were stronger in men rather than women.ConclusionThe present study provides novel evidence for the relevance of submissive behavior to internalizing symptoms and distress intolerance. We discuss clinical implications and directions for future research.