Sexual interactions and their effect on positive and negative emotions in social anxiety disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is associated with significant interpersonal difficulties, yet little is known about how individuals with SAD experience sexual interactions. The current study examined the emotional consequences of sexual interactions among individuals with and without SAD, using a 21-day daily diary design. Participants were 108 single young adults (54 with SAD; 54 without), all of whom were not in a romantic relationship. Participants reported daily on their sexual interactions and emotional experiences. We found no significant differences in the number of sexual interactions between individuals with and without SAD as well as when social anxiety was examined as a continuum of severity. However, for individuals without SAD, sexual interactions were followed by higher levels positive emotions, whereas for individuals with SAD, no such emotional benefit was observed (and this remained when examining social anxiety as a continuum of severity). Finally, we found differences in the experience of negative emotions following sex between individuals with and without SAD, but those were not found when social anxiety was examined as a continuum. Implications for research and treatment of SAD are discussed.