The relationship of anger expression with body image and eating attitude in social anxiety disorder

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in university students and the relationship of their anger level and anger expression with body image and eating attitude. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,000 students from Cumhuriyet University were included in this study. The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) and a sociodemographic data form were given to the students at their first interview. Those with a LSAS score of 30 or more were invited to do a second interview. Psychiatric interviews were then conducted on these students. An Eating Attitude Test (EAT), a Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), and a State-Trait Anger Expression Scale (STAXS) were performed on students with a SAD diagnosis (n=87) and a control group (n=87) at the final stage. Results: The prevalence of SAD was found to be at 9.4% in the participants. Trait anger, anger in, and anger out scores were found to be significantly higher in the SAD group than the control group. On the other hand, anger control and MBSRQ scores were significantly lower in the SAD group. A decrease was observed in MBSRQ score and the EAT score increased as the anger in score increased in students with SAD. Conclusion: SAD is a common disorder in university students. This study has demonstrated that depressed anger may affect body image and eating attitude negatively in those with SAD. Approaches for the development of appropriate anger expressions are necessary for SAD treatment.