Self-criticism, experiential avoidance, social anxiety and depression in an experience sampling paradigm

Abstract Social anxiety and depression are frequently comorbid and share common etiological factors, like self-criticism and experiential avoidance. In the present study, we used an experience-sampling methodology (ESM) to test a schema therapy model of state social anxiety and depression, conceptualized as schema modes. In a sample of 145 individuals, we tested the predictive role of self-criticism and experiential avoidance on social anxiety and depression in a three levels multi-level framework: on the next beep (level 1, lagged effect), daily average (level 2), and participant overall average (level 3). In a second analysis, we modeled the data as a residual dynamic structural equation modeling (RDSEM) cross-lagged panel model. Results in the three levels analyses were in line with our hypotheses on the daily timeframe and at between-subjects level (levels 2 and 3). In the cross-lagged analysis, depression was a consistent predictor of all other variables on next beep, while experiential avoidance predicted next beep reports on social anxiety. Self-criticism and experiential avoidance were also mediators in the relationships between early maladaptive schemas and the average reports of state social anxiety and depression on the between-subjects level of the RDSEM analysis. Future directions, limitations and implications are discussed.