The Impact of Emotional Intimacy and Anxiety Sensitivity on Social Functioning: A Cross-Sectional Study

Giselle Mata; Diana  Rodrigues da Silva; Beatriz  Peixoto

doi:10.61838/kman.jarac.7.1.19

Authors

Giselle Mata Research Centre in Education (CIE-ISPA), ISPA—Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3027-0355
Diana Rodrigues da Silva Insight - Piaget Research Center for Human and Ecological Development, Escola Higher de Education Jean Piaget, Almada, Portugal Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2020-8891
Beatriz Peixoto Department of Education and Training of Professors, Viana do Castelo, Portugal Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4983-7047

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jarac.7.1.19

Keywords:

Social Functioning, Emotional Intimacy, Anxiety Sensitivity, Cross-Sectional Study, Mental Health, Social Anxiety, Emotion Regulation

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive relationships between emotional intimacy, anxiety sensitivity, and social functioning in adults.

Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional design was employed, with a sample of 318 adults recruited through convenience sampling. Participants completed the Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ), Emotional Intimacy Scale (EIS), and Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression were conducted using SPSS version 27 to examine the relationships between the variables.

Findings: Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between emotional intimacy and social functioning (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and a significant negative correlation between anxiety sensitivity and social functioning (r = -0.46, p < 0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that emotional intimacy and anxiety sensitivity together explained 42% of the variance in social functioning (R² = 0.42, F(2, 315) = 114.28, p < 0.001), with both variables being significant predictors.

Conclusion: The study's findings underscore the importance of emotional intimacy and anxiety sensitivity in influencing social functioning. Higher emotional intimacy enhances social functioning, while higher anxiety sensitivity impairs it.