Journal of Modern Psychology

Journal of Modern Psychology

The Relationship Between Emotional Expression, Bodily Awareness, and Social Problem-Solving Skills with Social Anxiety in Adolescents

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
1 M.A. in Educational Psychology, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar Branch, Shabestar, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar Branch, Shabestar, Iran
10.22034/jmp.2026.602168.1190
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional expression, bodily awareness, and social problem-solving skills with social anxiety among students.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. The statistical population comprised all male high school students in Marand during the 2024-2025 academic year, from which 331 participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Adolescent Social Anxiety Scale (SAS-A), the Emotional Awareness Questionnaire (EAQ-30), and the Social Problem-Solving Inventory (SPSI). The collected data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients via SPSS version 26 at a significance level of p < .05.

Results: The results indicated a significant negative correlation between emotional expression, bodily awareness, and constructive social problem-solving skills with social anxiety (p < .05). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between dysfunctional social problem-solving skills and social anxiety (p < .05).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that possessing the ability to appropriately express emotions, having higher levels of bodily awareness, and employing constructive social problem-solving strategies are associated with lower levels of social anxiety in students. In contrast, the use of dysfunctional problem-solving strategies increases the risk of social anxiety. Consequently, designing and implementing educational programs focused on emotional expression, enhancing bodily awareness, and strengthening social problem-solving skills in schools can be an effective step in preventing and reducing social anxiety among adolescents.
Keywords
Subjects

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 March 2026

  • Receive Date 12 January 2026
  • Revise Date 09 February 2026
  • Accept Date 28 March 2026