Relationship between Glossophobia and Social Interaction Anxiety among University Students

Abstract

The study aims to find the relationship between glossophobia and social interaction anxiety among university students. Glossophobia commonly known as the fear of speaking in public and negative evaluation of self, other and the world. Social interaction anxiety causes negative impact on student performances in academic and other areas of life particularly the communication skills. The objectives of the study were to determine that the relationship between the variables under study and glossophobia significantly predicts social interaction anxiety among university students. A quantitative cross-sectional survey research design was used to collect data from the university students through purposive sampling. Standardized psychological instruments were used to measure public speaking anxiety and social interaction anxiety. Statistical analyses involved descriptive analysis, reliability analysis, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Linear Regression analysis were applied to the data by using SPSS-24. The outcomes suggested that there is a positive correlation between public speaking anxiety and social interaction anxiety. When public speaking anxiety increases social interaction anxiety increases. Reliability analysis showed acceptable internal consistency of the scales being used in the studies. This study focuses on importance of psychological interventions and communication skills training programs for students to mitigate the fear and negative evaluation of self, other and the world.