Examining emotion regulation processes in social anxiety from an interpersonal and observational perspective

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Social anxiety disorder (i.e., social phobia) is one of the most common and debilitating psychiatric disorders, with lifetime prevalence estimates around 13% and onset peaking in early adulthood. Characterized by excessive and persistent fear of social or performance situations, social anxiety (SA) is detrimental even in subthreshold forms and is best conceptualized as a spectrum of symptoms and impairment. Theoretical models and empirical research on SA converge on several key individual-level factors in the etiology and maintenance of SA (e.g., anxious arousal and anxious apprehension regarding social contexts). However, despite the inherent interpersonal nature of SA, there is limited focus on the processes that occur within interpersonal interactions that can shape SA (e.g., how do friends use interactions with each other to regulate their own and each other's social anxiety?). To address this gap, the overarching objective of the current research is to delineate the processes within an interpersonal context that predict SA. Our central hypothesis is that emotion emotion regulation processes occurring in social interactions (i.e., individuals' and their friends' emotion regulation processes; e.g., co-rumination, suppression, reappraisal) will predict indicators of SA both in the lab and daily life. To test our hypothesis, we will recruit 140 friend dyads exhibiting a range of SA symptoms (with at least 40% meeting SA disorder threshold). In the lab, individuals will identify their most stressful ongoing problem that involves someone outside of and unrelated to the friendship and then have a conversation where one person discloses their problem for discussion. We will comprehensively assess emotion regulation strategies used during the discussion using self- and partner-reports and behavioral observations. Next, each member of the dyad will undergo a standardized social threat performance task and dyadic pre- and post-event processes will be measured. After, participants will complete 14-day diaries for the assessment of individual and interpersonal emotion regulation and naturally occurring internalizing symptoms in daily life. Indicators of SA will be assessed consistent with data-driven models and in line with NIMH's RDoC constructs of acute and potential threat, including cardiovascular (peripheral resistance) and neuroendocrine markers (salivary cortisol), behavioral codes (e.g., performance in public speaking task), and self-reports (e.g., distress). Primary indicators of SA include self-reported distress and state anxiety. Findings from the current study will build upon existing theoretical models of SA, which is crucial to laying the groundwork for developing effective SA interventions. The central significance and innovation of the current work is to examine the interpersonal mechanisms that may be shaping SA by directly examining dyadic interactions among close others. This research will advance NIMH's mission to support and conduct research on mental illnesses and by adopting a basic science approach. Finally, in line with the R15 funding mechanism, this project will provide students with significant research experience in in psychopathology, dyadic processes, and psychophysiology.