Family Environment and Social Anxiety Disorders in Hilly and Plain Areas of Kumaon Region of India: A Correlational Study

Description

Page: 430-436

Deepraj Sandhu¹ and Kiran Karnatak² (Department of Psychology, M.B.P.G College, Haldwani, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand¹ and Department of Psychology, MBPG College, Haldwani, Uttarakhand²)

Social anxiety disorder is a psychological issue that is on the rise among adolescents. social anxiety disorder involves fear or anxiety in social situations and avoidance of social interactions that entail potential scrutiny. Individuals who suffer from social anxiety disorder commonly steer clear of social scenarios, such as interacting with unfamiliar individuals, engaging in public performances, or partaking in meals and beverages. The family environment plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s social, unsocial, normal, and abnormal behaviours. It also significantly influences the overall development of adolescents. Researchers have confirmed that the family environment strongly contributes to the psychological problems experienced by children. Establishing meaningful connections with family members, peers, and teachers holds significant importance for adolescents, as it greatly influences their ability to connect with others. The researcher intended to investigate the relationship between Family environment and social anxiety disorders in hilly and plain areas of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. In the present study, a total of 400 adolescents aged 16 years to 19 years participated. The total samples were divided into two groups on the basis of locale (n12=200) from the Hilly areas and (n2=200) from the Plain areas. The Multi-Stage Random Sampling technique was employed in the present study for the selection of participants. A Correlational research design was followed in the present study where the researcher wanted to see the relationship between Family Environment and social anxiety disorders in Hilly and Plain areas of Uttarakhand state of India. The results of the present study affirmed a significant correlation between Family environment and Social Anxiety disorders. In this context, it can be concluded that family plays an important role in the development and management of social anxiety disorders. Hence education to the family members in regard to social anxiety disorders can be suggested to overcome social anxiety disorders in adolescents.