Social Anxiety in Relation to Self-Esteem among University Students in Pakistan

Abstract

People with social anxiety in Pakistan often exhibit anxious, apprehensive, fearful, and worried behaviors, which can negatively impact their personality traits, social interactions, and overall self-esteem. These behaviors not only affect their ability to engage in social situations but can also lead to feelings of isolation and a diminished sense of self-worth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the connection between social anxiety and self-esteem among Pakistani university students, exploring how these factors influence one another in an academic setting. To achieve this, a descriptive correlation method was employed, aiming to assess whether higher levels of social anxiety correlate with lower levels of self-esteem. A sample of university students from ten different institutions across Pakistan was selected, and participants were asked to complete questionnaires designed to measure both their social anxiety and self-esteem levels. The findings revealed that, overall, students reported high levels of self-esteem and low levels of social anxiety. Moreover, the study found a statistically significant inverse relationship between self-esteem and social anxiety, indicating that as students' self-esteem increased, their levels of social anxiety decreased. These results suggest that fostering a supportive and inclusive environment on university campuses could play a critical role in helping students manage social anxiety and maintain healthy self-esteem. The study recommends organizing workshops and seminars for incoming students at the beginning of each academic year. Such initiatives, focused on building confidence, reducing stress, and promoting mental well-being, may help ease the transition into university life, ultimately leading to a reduction in anxiety and an increase in students' overall self-confidence and academic success.