Perseverative Thinking and Social Anxiety Among Young Adults Based on Gender

Author

M Ajitha, Dr. Anitha Kumari T T


Abstract

 The present study examined the relationship between perseverative thinking and social anxiety among young adults and investigated gender differences in these variables. A quantitative, non-experimental, correlational research design was adopted. The sample consisted of 309 young adults aged 18–25 years from educational institutions in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS). Pearson’s product-moment correlation and independent samples t-test were used for data analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between perseverative thinking and social anxiety, indicating that higher levels of perseverative thinking were associated with higher levels of social anxiety. Gender differences were not significant for perseverative thinking. However, a significant gender difference was observed in social anxiety, with female participants has higher levels of social anxiety than male participants. The findings highlight the relevance of perseverative thinking in understanding social anxiety among young adults and suggest the importance of considering gender-related factors in the assessment and prevention of social anxiety.



Keywords

Perseverative thinking, social anxiety, gender differences, young adults, repetitive negative thinking



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References


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