Social anxiety may have a negative effect on relationship quality

2nd May 2013 – Social anxiety may have implication for relationships as sufferers are less likely to provide supportive results to good news by a romantic partner leading to a decline in relationship quality.

Scientists at the George Mason University looked at couples reactions to positive news in relationships where one of the partners suffered from social anxiety.

The effect of social anxiety on relationship quality has previously not been well established. This paper specifically looked at capitalization  Capitilization is the supportive response an individual gets when they share news to their partner. For example, receiving a joyous congratulations  in response to success at a job interview. Positive supportive responses are an important part of developing intimacy and have been linked to  well-being, relationship satisfaction, commitment, and longevity

The paper found that social anxiety sufferers are less likely to provide and receive supportive responses to positive news. This is probably due to the suppression of positive and negative emotion that occurs in social anxiety.

Social anxiety sufferers were also viewed as unenthusiastic and non-expressive of positive emotions by independent observers. And over a 6 month period, low capitalization in these relationships was linked to an increase in the likelihood of breaking up and a decline in relationship quality.

This research was published in Behaviour Research and Therapy May 2013.

Take home message

Social anxiety sufferers should aim to provide a supportive response to their partners, as there can be a tendency to appear uninterested leading to negative effects on relationship quality.

Journal reference:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005796713000739