Özet:

This correlational study designed to explore the role of social anxiety as a moderator in the relationship between adult attachment and fear of intimacy among adolescents. Another purpose was to inspect the contribution of sociodemographic variables in adult attachment, fear of intimacy and social anxiety. Data collection was done by using purposive sampling technique. A sample consisted of (N = 420) adolescents’ boys (n = 210) and girls (n = 210), early adolescents (n = 140), middle adolescents (n = 140) and late adolescents (n = 140). For such purpose data were collected from different schools and colleges and also from the University of Sargodha. Data were collected by using Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), fear of intimacy scale (FIS) and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). Results revealed that a significant relationship was present between adult attachment and fear of intimacy among adolescents. Results depicted that there was a significant negative correlation between adult attachment and fear of intimacy. Findings also showed that social anxiety significantly moderated the relationship between adult attachment and fear of intimacy among adolescents. Results indicated that girls score higher on adult attachment than boys, whereas, boys score higher on fear of intimacy and social anxiety. Based on these findings adolescents who owned secure attachment patterns have less fear of intimacy and less social anxiety caused in them while those who have avoidant or insecure patterns will be at higher risk of social anxiety and lack intimate relationships.

Anahtar Kelimeler: