The Relationship between Peer Victimization in Adolescence and Social Anxiety in Adulthood: The Dual Mediating Effect of Internalized Shame and Self-criticism

Objectives The purpose of this study were to investigate the dual mediating effects of internalized shame and self-criticism in the relationship between peer victimization in adolescence and social anxiety in adulthood. Methods To this end, a self-report questionnaires consisting of the Social Experience Questionnaire(SEQ), the Internalized Shame Scale(ISS), the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire(DEQ), the Social Phobia Scale(SPS), and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale(SIAS) were completed online. Through the online servey, we have collected data from 296 adults aged 18 or older. SPSS 25.0 is used to test the model. Results The result of analysis are the following. First, there was a statistically significant positive correlations among peer victimization, internalized shame, self-criticism, and social anxiety. Second, It has been confirmed that internalized shame and self-criticism had dual mediating effects in the relationship between peer victimization and social anxiety. Conclusions Based on the results, implications and limitations of this study were discussed.