The relationship between interpersonal cognitive distortions and negative self-image on students' social anxiety

The present study evaluated the relationship between interpersonal cognitive distortions and negative self-imageries on the social anxiety of students of Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman. The statistical population of the study included all 17189 students studying in the academic year of 2017-2018. The sample of the study included 376 students selected by cluster random sampling method. They completed Social Phobia Questionnaire, Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale (ICDS), and Negative Self-portrayal Scale. Analysis of Pearson correlation results revealed a significant positive correlation between interpersonal cognitive distortions and social anxiety of students (r=0.72). Moreover, a significant positive correlation (r = 0.68) was obtained between negative self-imagery and students' social anxiety, which was significant at the level of (p < 0.05). Also, to predict the level of students' social anxiety based on interpersonal cognitive distortions and negative self-imagery, regression analysis was performed. The results showed that these two variables predicted 59% of the changes in social anxiety. However, the results revealed that the variable of interpersonal cognitive distortions is a better predictor than negative self-imagery in students' social anxiety.