IS SOCIAL ANXIETY ALWAYS «SOCIAL»? AN INVESTIGATION OF PERSONALITY COGNITIVE AND AUTISTIC FACTORS.

Abstract

Background: Social anxiety (SA) disorder is a common psychological condition; however, its boundaries with autism spectrum disorder remain a subject of debate. This study examines the contribution of personality, cognitive, and autistic traits to manifestations of SA in adults. To assess how personality, cognitive, and autistic traits affect SA and to define the impact of autistic features on its development.

Methods: The study included 72 adults (42 women, 30 men) over 18, with different levels of SA and autistic traits. Participants completed several questionnaires: Social Anxiety and Social Phobia Questionnaire, HEXACO-60-PI-R60 Personality Questionnaire, Hostility Scale, Cognitive Styles Questionnaire, Autism Spectrum Quotient, Behavior Self-Regulation Style Questionnaire, and an Emotional Intelligence Test.

Results: Two groups were studied: (A) high SA with low autistic traits, and (B) high SA with high autistic traits. T-tests and regression analyses were used. No significant differences in overall SA were found between the groups; however, individuals with pronounced autistic traits exhibited greater anxiety in situations requiring initiative and being under observation. Group B demonstrated higher scores on all autism spectrum scales and distinctive personality profiles (low extraversion, high honesty/humility, vigilance, and negativism. Regression analysis revealed distinct predictive factors for SA in the two groups. For Group A this included the following parameters: Liveliness, lower Sociability, decreased Modeling of Conditions, heightened Sentimentality and increased Attention to Detail (89% of the variance in SA scores). For Group B they included low Social Self-Esteem, reduced Flexibility, diminished Reliability, elevated Dependence, and stronger Field Independence (92% of the variance in SA scores).

Conclusion: Personality and cognitive predictors of SA differ depending on the presence of autistic traits. The data confirm the necessity of a differentiated diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Future studies should employ longitudinal research designs to investigate causal relationships between variables.