Exploring the mediating role of virtual environment loneliness in the link between interpersonal relationship styles and social anxiety

Abstract

Objectives: As technology has transformed social interactions, the study investigates whether virtual communication adequately fulfills individuals’ social connection needs. This study explores the relationship between social anxiety, virtual environment loneliness, and interpersonal relationship styles among a diverse sample of 400 participants. Methods: The study included 400 participants (N = 400), the majority of whom were female (N = 254, 63.5%) and had at least a bachelor’s degree (N = 261; 65%). Participants completed the Environment Loneliness Scale, the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and Interpersonal Relationships Scale. Multi-mediation analysis was run to assess the potential mediating role of virtual loneliness. Results: Results showed that an inhibitory relationship style was positively correlated with social anxiety (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), while a nurturing relationship style was negatively correlated (r = −0.21, p < 0.01). Mediation analyses revealed that a subdimension of virtual environment loneliness, called virtual sharing, significantly mediated the relationship between inhibitory relationship style and social anxiety. However, no significant indirect effect was observed between nurturing relationship style and social anxiety. Conclusion: In conclusion, the current study provides insight regarding the relationship between interpersonal relationship styles and social anxiety by emphasizing the role of virtual sharing in this association. Successfully managing social interactions is essential for improving individuals’ psychological wellbeing. Future studies should further investigate these relationships to optimize interventions for individuals struggling with social anxiety.