Predicting Social Anxiety based on Mindfulness, Experiential Avoidance, and Metacognitive Beliefs in Adolescents

Social anxiety is one of the major psychological challenges in adolescents' social relationships that could lead to many problems.  This study aimed at predicting social anxiety based on mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and meta-cognitive beliefs among adolescents in Kermanshah, Iran.

A descriptive-correlational study was performed and the statistical population included all students (male and female) in public high schools in Kermanshah, during 2017-2018 academic year. A sample of 480 people was selected and finally 406 subjects were studied. Social Phobia Inventory, Mindfulness Questionnaire (MQ), metacognitive beliefs (MCQ-30), and Experiential Avoidance Scale were used to collect the data. Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were applied to analyze the data.

Pearson correlation test showed significant correlations between mindfulness and social anxiety, metacognitive beliefs, and experiential avoidance (P <0.001). Regression analysis showed that these factors could predict 40% of changes in social anxiety (P< 0.001).

Considering the role of metacognitive beliefs, experiential avoidance and mindfulness in predicting social anxiety, counselors and therapists are recommended to use acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and teaching metacognitive beliefs to adolescents in order to reduce social anxiety levels in this population.