Thematic Analysis to Measure Social Anxiety among Students

Abstract

The occurrence of social anxiety among students in higher education has become a growing concern, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of effective assessment methods. To address this, a study was conducted utilizing thematic analysis to explain prevailing trends in the measurement of social anxiety. By analyzing ten scholarly articles sourced from the Web of Sciences (WOS) database, the research sought to identify common patterns and themes in the approaches employed to assess social anxiety. The findings of the thematic analysis highlighted several prevalent tools frequently utilized in assessing social anxiety, including the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, the Social Anxiety Scale, the Social and Emotional Competencies Evaluation Questionnaire, and the Social Anxiety Scale. These established measurements signify essential resources for researchers and practitioners aiming to comprehensively evaluate social anxiety in university students. This comprehensive review of existing literature not only contributes to a deeper understanding of the methodologies employed in studying social anxiety but also emphasizes the importance of employing a variety of measurement techniques in future research endeavors. By incorporating these findings, scholars and mental health professionals can devise more tailored interventions and support mechanisms to address the growing concerns surrounding social anxiety within higher education settings.