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Gender differences in social support for socially anxious individuals
Lindsay Ham1, Sarah A Hayes, Debra A Hope
1Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA. haml@fiu.edu
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|December 2, 2005
Summary
Social anxiety disorder impacts women and men differently. Younger, unmarried women with social anxiety report less satisfying social support networks than older, married women.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Social anxiety disorder is a prevalent and impairing condition.
- Gender differences in social development and support for individuals with social anxiety are not fully understood.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in perceived social support quantity and satisfaction among individuals with social anxiety disorder.
- To explore how demographic factors, such as age and marital status, influence social support in socially anxious women.
- To compare social support patterns between men and women diagnosed with social anxiety disorder.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted with 23 women and 28 men seeking treatment for social anxiety disorder.
- Perceived social support quantity and satisfaction were measured.
- Data were analyzed to identify gender-based differences and the impact of age and marital status.
Main Results:
- No significant gender differences were found in overall social support quantity or satisfaction.
- Younger, unmarried women reported smaller and less satisfying social support networks compared to older, married women.
- No similar pattern was observed in the socially anxious men studied.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence suggests younger, single women with social anxiety experience less satisfying social support.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy incorporating social support modules may benefit socially anxious individuals, especially young, unmarried women.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate gender-specific social support needs in social anxiety disorder.
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