Self-regulation of attention, avoidance behavior, and fear of negative evaluation by others are considered to be the factors that maintain the social anxiety disorder (SAD). It has been demonstrated that the enhancement of trait mindfulness could promote improvements in these maintaining factors. We examined relationships among trait mindfulness, self-regulation of attention, avoidance behavior, fear of negative evaluation from others, and social anxiety. Undergraduate students (N=269) completed a set of questionnaires. Results of path analysis indicated that self-regulation of attention, avoidance behavior, and fear of negative evaluation from others mediated between trait mindfulness and social anxiety. Additionally, it was showed that trait mindfulness influences social anxiety through these factors. These findings suggest that the improvement of trait mindfulness would be effective for improving self-regulation of attention, avoidance behavior, and fear of negative evaluation from others, as well as social anxiety.
View full abstract