Anxiety Disorders Linked to Virtual Environment Loneliness and Interpersonal Relationship Styles

Research conducted at Hasan Kalyoncu University has shed light on the complex relationship between social anxiety, virtual environment loneliness, and interpersonal relationship styles. A diverse sample of 400 participants, predominantly female, took part in the study, which aimed to explore the mediating role of virtual loneliness in the link between interpersonal relationship styles and social anxiety. The findings suggest that individuals with an inhibitory relationship style are more likely to experience social anxiety, and that successfully managing social interactions is crucial for improving psychological well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• The study involved 400 participants, with 63.5% being female and 65% having at least a bachelor's degree.
• The majority of participants completed the Environment Loneliness Scale, the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and Interpersonal Relationships Scale.
• The research found a positive correlation between an inhibitory relationship style and social anxiety (r = 0.30, p < 0.01).
• The study suggested that virtual environment loneliness may play a mediating role in the relationship between interpersonal relationship styles and social anxiety.
• The findings imply that optimizing interventions for individuals struggling with social anxiety may involve improving their ability to manage social interactions and reduce virtual environment loneliness.
• The research concluded that further studies are needed to investigate these relationships and develop effective interventions.

Statistics:

• 63.5% of participants were female.
• 65% of participants had at least a bachelor's degree.
• 400 participants took part in the study.
• The research found a positive correlation between an inhibitory relationship style and social anxiety (r = 0.30, p < 0.01).
• The study involved 254 female participants and 146 male participants.

Sources:

• Exploring the mediating role of virtual environment loneliness in the link between interpersonal relationship styles and social anxiety. Frontiers in Psychology, 2025, 16.
• Hasan Kalyoncu University. (2025). New Anxiety Disorders Findings from Hasan Kalyoncu University Published (Exploring the mediating role of virtual environment loneliness in the link between interpersonal relationship styles and social anxiety). Health & Medicine Week. September 5, 2025; p 2521.