Prediction of Social Anxiety in Students Based on Personality Dimensions and Parenting Styles

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to predict students' social anxiety based on personality dimensions and parenting styles.

Methods and Materials: This research was descriptive-correlational and applied in terms of purpose. The statistical population included all male elementary school students (second stage) in District 2 of Tehran during the 2023–2024 academic year. A total of 384 students were selected using a cluster random sampling method. Data were collected using the NEO Personality Inventory, Baumrind's Parenting Styles Questionnaire, and the Spence Social Anxiety Scale. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation and stepwise linear regression methods.

Findings: The results showed a direct relationship between the conscientiousness personality dimension and students' social anxiety (p < .001) and an inverse relationship between the agreeableness personality dimension and students' social anxiety (p < .05). Additionally, a direct relationship was found between the authoritarian parenting style and students' social anxiety (p < .001). Regression analysis results indicated that the authoritarian parenting style and the conscientiousness personality trait could predict 18% of social anxiety in students (p < .001).

Conclusion: Therefore, attention to parenting styles and children's personality dimensions is crucial in understanding the occurrence of social anxiety.