Neuroticism and positive coping style as mediators of the association between childhood psychological maltreatment and social anxiety

Social anxiety can be harmful to an individual's quality of life and well-being. Individuals with social anxiety usually exhibit avoidance behaviors and experience distress in social situations. Previous studies have indicated that the formation of social anxiety may be related to adverse childhood experiences, such as childhood psychological maltreatment (CPM). Based on previous research, the current study aimed to examine the relationship between CPM and social anxiety, considering neuroticism and positive coping style as mediating mechanisms in this relationship. We hypothesized that college students' (N = 717; M-age = 19.93, SD = 1.35, aged between 18 and 22 years, 387 males) CPM will be associated with higher level of neuroticism and lower level of positive coping style, which will contribute to increased social avoidance and distress. Results showed that neuroticism and positive coping style serially mediated the relationship between CPM and social anxiety. The total mediating effect was 91.57%. The results of the present study highlight the impact of CPM on neuroticism and positive coping styles, and these factors play a prominent role in the development of social anxiety among college students. Intervention and prevention suggestions aimed at reducing the effect of CPM on social anxiety are also discussed.