Situation selection and modification in social inhibition: a person-centered approach

The current study aimed to identify patterns of situation selection and modification behaviors using a person-centered approach, and to examine to what extent the trait social inhibition (SI) is associated with these patterns of situation-targeted emotion regulation.

The sample comprised 504 participants (M_age= 21.5, SD = 8.2; 82% women), who completed questionnaires on situation selection and modification behaviors, and the social inhibition questionnaire (SIQ15). A three-step latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to (A) identify existing latent profiles of situation avoidance and approach and situation modification behaviors, and (B) to examine the association of SI and facets with the latent class posteriors.

LPA revealed the presence of four profiles that differed in how situation selection and modification were applied. SI, behavioral inhibition, and social withdrawal were significantly associated with a higher odds of belonging to the profile characterized by avoidance selection and modification. Interpersonal sensitivity was associated with using more conversational modification behaviors, which may illustrate that interpersonal sensitive individuals are motivated to approach, but use avoidance behaviors to prevent confrontation.

SI individuals particularly rely on avoidance selection and modification behaviors, which may be considered maladaptive emotion regulation.