GENDER PATTERNS OF SOCIAL ANXIETY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AMONG ALBANIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Erika MELONASHI

Abstract

Background: Social anxiety symptoms among youth are quite common, as reported by cross-country research. Studies have shown clear gender-related patterns in terms of higher prevalence or severity for women as compared to men. Nonetheless the re-conceptualization of social interactions due to the Covid-19 pandemic has raised several concerns on the changing patterns or dynamics of mental disorders, including social anxiety. Aim: The present study aimed to assess gender differences in social anxiety and its components among Albanian university students. Method: The study sample comprised university students, 110 men and 189 women, aged 18-39 years old, Mage= 23 years old, SD=4.67. The study used Liebowitz (1987) Social Anxiety Scale, translated into Albanian. Results: Overall scores indicated that 78.3 per cent of the sample was classified with probable or highly probable social anxiety. Chi2 tests revealed no significant gender differences in social anxiety symptoms as men and women were equally likely to report symptoms (p=.48). Independent t-tests also revealed no significant gender differences in terms of the specific performance or social interaction components of social anxiety, p>.05. Conclusions: Data indicated high prevalence of social anxiety symptoms, but no gender differences. Findings have practical implications and suggest directions for future research on social anxiety among young adults in Albania.

Pages: 67 - 72