A1 Journal article (refereed)
Psychological Processes in the Social Interaction and Communication Anxiety of University Students : The Role of Self-Compassion and Psychological Flexibility (2022)

Gorinelli, S., Gallego, A., Lappalainen, P., & Lappalainen, R. (2022). Psychological Processes in the Social Interaction and Communication Anxiety of University Students : The Role of Self-Compassion and Psychological Flexibility. International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy, 22(1), 5-19. https://www.ijpsy.com/volumen22/num1/603.html

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Gorinelli, Simone; Gallego, Ana; Lappalainen, Päivi; Lappalainen, Raimo

Journal or series: International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy

ISSN: 1889-1780

eISSN: 1989-2780

Publication year: 2022

Volume: 22

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 5-19

Publisher: Asociación de Análisis del Comportamiento

Publication country: Spain

Publication language: English

Persistent website address: https://www.ijpsy.com/volumen22/num1/603.html

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/81641

Abstract

University students often experience difficulties in social interactions. The current study examined the role of self-compassion and psychological flexibility among university students (N= 76) reporting high levels of social interaction and communication anxiety. We observed that high social interaction (SIAS) and communication anxiety (PRCA-24) were associated with low levels of self-compassion and psychological flexibility. Upon further investigating the specific predictors for social interaction and communication anxiety, we found that self-judgment, over-identification and openness to experiences were the key components in self-compassion and psychological flexibility, respectively. However, after examining these components together, only self-judgment and over-identification remained crucial predictors. This suggests that, when training students to manage their anxiety in social situations, attention should be given to promoting skills of self-compassion and psychological flexibility in general. Special attention should be devoted to facilitating a non-critical, accepting and open attitude towards one’s thoughts, emotions and negative interpretations.

Keywords: students; social interaction; anxiety disorders; social phobia; performance anxiety

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1