@Structural Equation Modeling of the Mediating Role of Social Anxiety in the Relationship Between Anxiety Sensitivity and Rejection Sensitivity with Safety Behaviors in students

Khademy, Maryam; Bassak Nejad, Soodabeh; Peymannia, Bahram

doi:10.22075/jcp.2025.37845.3200

@Structural Equation Modeling of the Mediating Role of Social Anxiety in the Relationship Between Anxiety Sensitivity and Rejection Sensitivity with Safety Behaviors in students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Dep of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University Of Ahvaz

² Dep of Psychology,, Faculty of Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz

³ Dep of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz

10.22075/jcp.2025.37845.3200

Abstract

Background: Individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) exhibit two primary characteristics: anxiety sensitivity and social rejection sensitivity. Upon encountering social situations, they employ safety behaviors to reduce their anxious behaviors. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of social anxiety in the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and rejection sensitivity with safety behaviors in university students.
Method: The present study was a descriptive-correlational design utilizing structural equation modeling. The statistical population comprised all undergraduate students in the city of Isfahan during the academic year 2023-2024. The sample size was selected using Kline's model and a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Data were collected using the Social Phobia Safety Behaviors Scale (SPSBS), the Social Anxiety Inventory (SAI), the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), and the Rejection Sensitivity Scale (RSS).
Findings: The results indicated that indirect effect of anxiety sensitivity on safety behaviors through social anxiety (b = 0.21, p < 0.001) and the indirect effect of rejection sensitivity on safety behaviors through social anxiety (b = 0.41, p < 0.001) were statistically significant, and the model fit was confirmed.

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