Sociotropy—Autonomy and Situation-Specific Anxiety

Abstract

Sociotropy and autonomy are conceptualized as two personality dimensions that relate to individuals' vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Sociotropy is characterized as an excessive investment in interpersonal relationships, and autonomy is characterized as an excessive concern with independence as well as a lack of concern for others. The present study investigated the relationships between sociotropy-autonomy and trait anxiety associated with four types of situations, i.e., Social Evaluation, Physical Danger, Ambiguous Situation, and Daily Routine. 255 undergraduate students completed the Sociotropy-Autonomy Scale, the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Analyses indicated that scores on Sociotropy were positively correlated with rated trait anxiety in situations of Social Evaluation, Physical Danger, and Ambiguous Situations, whereas scores on Autonomy were positively correlated with rated trait anxiety in Daily Routines. These findings are discussed in the context of the diathesis-stress model of anxiety and depression.

Interpersonal patterns in close relationships: The role of sociotropy–autonomy

“…As found commonly in previous research (e.g. Clark & Oates, 1995; Clark et al , 1995; Robins et al , 1995; Sato & McCann, 1997; Sato, McCann, & Ferguson‐Isaac, 2004), there was a positive correlation between one's own level of sociotropy and one's own level of autonomy among both females and males. As hypothesized, there was also a positive correlation between one's own level of sociotropy and one's own level of RM for both males and females.…”

Sociotropic and Autonomous Personality and Stressful Life Events as Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in the Postpartum Period

“…It is possible that some elements of autonomous personality, such as the ability to cope independently in the absence of social support, may provide a protective function during the transition from pregnancy to postpartum, whereas other aspects, such as the need for control and time for oneself, may increase the risk of depression during this period. Future studies should attempt to unravel the complexities regarding to construct of autonomous personality in order to clarify those aspects are associated with mental health outcomes (Sato & McCann, 2000;Sato, McCann, & Ferguson-Isaac, 2004).…”

The hierarchical model of social interaction anxiety and depression: The critical roles of fears of evaluation

“…With respect to depression, although there is no direct theoretical insight into the relationship between FNE and depression, empirical data have revealed moderate correlations between FNE and depression (Collins et al, 2005;Duke, Krishnan, Faith, & Storch, 2006;Kocovski & Endler, 2000;O'Connor, Berry, Weiss, & Gilbert, 2002;Sato, McCann, & Ferguson-Isaac, 2004). Some indirect evidence has suggested that symptoms of depression are related to the fear of rejection, disapproval, and criticism (Clark, Steer, Haslam, Beck, & Brown, 1997;Sato, 2003).…”