Does Interpretation Bias mediate the Relationship between Relational Victimization and Social Anxiety in Adolescents?

Abstract

Past research has repeatedly shown that relational victimization and social anxiety are related. However, it is still unclear how this link can be explained. This longitudinal study examined whether interpretation bias plays a mediating role between the bidirectional association of relational victimization and social anxiety in adolescents (12-17 years). In total, 398 adolescents who were part of the “Kandinsky Longitudinal Study” participated by filling in three questionnaires about social anxiety, relational victimization and interpretation bias at two different time points over a period of 12 months. Findings revealed that more social anxiety is related to more relational victimization and vice versa over time. Furthermore, higher levels of relational victimization predicted more negative interpretation bias and thus a greater likelihood to experience social anxiety in adolescents but not vice versa. In conclusion, these findings highlight the importance of examining linking mechanisms such as interpretation bias in the framework of relational victimization and social anxiety. Prevention strategies should specifically target negative interpretation bias and relational victimization in order to reduce symptoms of social anxiety. Future studies are discussed. Keywords: social anxiety, relational victimization, interpretation bias, adolescence