Gender differences in social support for socially anxious individuals

Lindsay S. Ham, Sarah A. Hayes, Debra A. Hope

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Given that social anxiety disorder is a common, chronic, debilitating disorder and socially anxious women appear to have different experiences related to social development and social support than men, it is essential that the gender differences in social anxiety and social support be understood. The present study examined perceived social support quantity and satisfaction in 23 women and 28 men seeking treatment for social anxiety disorder. Contrary to expectations, men and women did not differ on measures of social support. However, younger, unmarried women reported having smaller social support networks and less satisfaction with their social support networks than older, married women. Analyses of socially anxious men did not reveal such a pattern. The current study provides preliminary evidence that younger, single women have social support networks that are less satisfying than the social support networks of older, married women. Inclusion of social support modules within a cognitive behavioral treatment approach for social anxiety disorder may be warranted, particularly for young, unmarried women.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)201-206
Number of pages6
JournalCognitive Behaviour Therapy
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005

Keywords

  • Gender
  • Social anxiety
  • Social support

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

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