Understanding the Mediating Roles of Perfectionism and Study Motivations and Strategies in the Relationship Between Social Anxiety and Academic Performance
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology and Special Education
Date of Award
9-1-2026
Abstract
Social Anxiety Disorder is one of the most prevalent anxiety disorders among young populations (Jefferies & Ungar, 2020). Those who suffer from social anxiety engage in consistent monitoring of their own behavior to avoid displaying any signs of their anxiety (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Existing literature demonstrates a significant negative effect of social anxiety levels on academic performance (Archbell & Coplan, 2021; Van Ameringen et al., 2003; Vilaplana-Pérez et al., 2020). Meanwhile, research has found a positive association between self-oriented perfectionism and academic performance (Blackburn et al., 2024). Research has also found a positive relationship between approaches to studying which involve deep, enthusiastic interaction with class material and performance in academic settings (Mou et al., 2024). The conductors of this study hypothesized that these relationships between self-oriented perfectionism and in-depth study methods and academic performance may mediate the relationship between social anxiety and academic performance. Limited research has examined whether perfectionism and approaches to studying mediate the relationship between social anxiety and academic performance. The current study sought to fill this gap by investigating these relationships. It consisted of an online survey including the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, a short form of the Hewitt-Flett Perfectionism Scale, and the Study Process Questionnaire published on the Qualtrics website for undergraduate students to respond to. The results demonstrated a full mediation effect of self-oriented perfectionism on the relationship between social anxiety and grade point average. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Advisor
Mei Jiang
Subject Categories
Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Cook, Emma, "Understanding the Mediating Roles of Perfectionism and Study Motivations and Strategies in the Relationship Between Social Anxiety and Academic Performance" (2026). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1393.
https://lair.etamu.edu/etd/1393
