Perception and social motivation: Predictive elements of social anxiety and adjustment in adolescents

Abstract

Previous research suggests that peer perception and social goals have an important role in social behavior. However, their influence on social anxiety or their impact on social adjustment during adolescence has not been examined in depth. The aim of this study was to test the relationship of peer perception and social goals with social anxiety and social adjustment. The sample was composed of 848 Spanish adolescents (47.5% women) aged between 12 and 17 years (M = 13.58, SD = 1.247). Structural equation modeling indicated that peer perception and social development goals have a direct effect on social adjustment, whereas a negative peer perception and social demonstration-avoidance goals were linked to social anxiety. These results highlight the importance of encouraging the setting of social development goals and positive perception of peers.