Examining the psychometric properties and network structures of the bivalent fear of evaluation model of social anxiety disorder in a Japanese population

The bivalent fear of evaluation (BFOE) model of social anxiety disorder (SAD) posits that fear of evaluation consists of two distinct valences: fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and fear of positive evaluation (FPE). Reflecting this model, the BFOE Scale (BFOES) was developed by combining items from established FNE and FPE measures into a single integrated scale. This study aimed to (1) assess the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the BFOES, and (2) examine the network structures of FNE, FPE, and SAD symptoms among Japanese individuals with and without SAD. A total of 401 individuals with a self-reported diagnosis of SAD and 373 without a self-reported diagnosis of SAD completed questionnaires assessing FNE, FPE, SAD symptoms, self-focused attention, post-event processing, and depressive symptoms. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a correlated two-factor model for the BFOES (FNE and FPE factors). Exploratory graph analyses revealed a two-dimensional structure for the BFOES. Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω coefficients indicated high internal consistency. Correlational analyses showed small to moderate positive associations between BFOES factors and SAD-related constructs. Partial correlational analyses indicated that the FNE and FPE factors were more strongly associated with SAD-related constructs than with depressive symptoms, supporting convergent and discriminant validity. A network comparison test revealed no significant differences between SAD and non-SAD groups in the global network structure and connectivity. However, central symptoms differed slightly between the groups: among individuals with SAD, “concern about others’ thoughts and the impressions one leaves” and “fear of talking to strangers” were most central. In contrast, in the non-SAD group, “avoidance of embarrassment” and “distress over palpitations” were most central. These findings were discussed within the framework of the BFOE model of SAD.