The Impact of Emotional Intimacy and Anxiety Sensitivity on Social Functioning: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective:  This study aimed to investigate the predictive relationships between emotional intimacy, anxiety sensitivity, and social functioning in adults.

Methods and Materials:  A cross-sectional design was employed, with a sample of 318 adults recruited through convenience sampling. Participants completed the Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ), Emotional Intimacy Scale (EIS), and Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression were conducted using SPSS version 27 to examine the relationships between the variables.

Findings:  Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between emotional intimacy and social functioning (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and a significant negative correlation between anxiety sensitivity and social functioning (r = -0.46, p < 0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that emotional intimacy and anxiety sensitivity together explained 42% of the variance in social functioning (R² = 0.42, F(2, 315) = 114.28, p < 0.001), with both variables being significant predictors.

Conclusion: The study's findings underscore the importance of emotional intimacy and anxiety sensitivity in influencing social functioning. Higher emotional intimacy enhances social functioning, while higher anxiety sensitivity impairs it.