Article

Shyness as a Moderator of the Relationship between Avoidant Personality and Social Interaction Anxiety among Students

Zar Nayab ORCID , Syeda Farhana Kazmi ORCID , Syed Adil Shah ORCID
    Received: 2 March 2026 | Revised: 9 May 2026 | Accepted: 16 May 2026 | Published Online: 9 June 2026

    Abstract

    The traits of shyness and social interaction anxiety are common among students. The objective of the current study is to analyze relationships among multiple psychological constructs, including avoidant personality, shyness, and social interaction anxiety among college and university students, as well as to explore the moderating role of shyness between avoidant personality features and social interaction anxiety. The study also assessed gender differences in shyness and social interaction anxiety, and provided counseling to students with a higher level of social interaction anxiety. The sample of the present study comprised college and university students aged 18–30. The data were collected using a purposive sampling technique to approach the students experiencing social interaction anxiety. The systematic desensitization technique was used to counsel the participants who scored higher on the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale. The findings of the study indicated positive correlation between avoidant personality and social interaction anxiety (r = 0.156, p < 0.05), shyness (r = 0.329, p < 0.001), and social interaction anxiety and shyness (r = 0.597, p < 0.001). Shyness significantly moderated the relationship between avoidant personality and social interaction anxiety. The results indicated that there is no significant difference regarding gender in terms of social interaction anxiety and shyness. The findings also showed that there is a significant positive effect of systematic desensitization on social interaction anxiety in participants. The present study provides insight to colleges and universities to develop the skills necessary for students to cope with social interaction anxiety, avoidant personality, and shyness.

    Keywords

    Avoidant Personality, Social Interaction Anxiety, Shyness, Systematic Desensitization

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