Developing a Model of Social Anxiety in Students Based on Maladaptive Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies with the Mediating Role of Negative Self-Talk

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Department of Psychology, Stockton University, Galloway, New Jersey, USA.

3 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a model of social anxiety in students based on maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, examining the mediating role of negative self-talk. This descriptive-correlational study (using structural equation modeling) employed an applied research approach. The statistical population consisted of high school students (second period) in Ardabil during the 2023–2024 academic year. Using a cluster random sampling method, 251 students (119 boys and 132 girls) were selected. The data were collected through the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), and the Calvete Self-Talk Inventory (STI). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 and AMOS-24 software. Maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies were found to be positively and significantly related to social anxiety, both directly and indirectly through negative self-talk. Negative self-talk played a significant mediating role in this relationship. The findings highlight the importance of psychological interventions aimed at reducing maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and negative self-talk. Educational programs based on emotion regulation and cognitive restructuring may effectively reduce students’ social anxiety.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Cognitive Science Research
Volume 1, Issue 4
December 2025
Pages 50-59

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 02 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 08 November 2025
  • Publish Date: 01 December 2025

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