Investigating the Effects of Social Comparison and Neuroticism on Social Anxiety in Greece

Abstract

Prior research has examined the relationship between social comparison, neuroticism, and social anxiety separately. Social comparison and neuroticism have been found to be strongly related to social anxiety [1,2], but the effect of their interaction on social anxiety remains understudied. The present study aimed to tackle the gap by investigating the separate and interaction effects that social comparison and neuroticism may have on social anxiety. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions an opportunity sample of 100 participants completed three online questionnaires; the Social Comparison Orientation Scale [3], the Neuroticism Scale, developed by the researchers and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) [4]. Data were analysed using a 2 (social comparison) x 2 (neuroticism) independent measures ANOVA and the results indicated a significant effect of neuroticism on social anxiety, suggesting that high levels of neuroticism leaded to higher levels of social anxiety. However, social comparison did not have an effect of social anxiety and there was no significant interaction with neuroticism. The findings provide important practical and theoretical limitations concerning the design of the study in this digital era. Further research suggestions are also discussed.