Thesis Title: Body Image, Emotional Regulation and Social Interaction Anxiety in Patients with Thalassemia
Author Name: Taqdees Fatima
Supervisor: Rafia Rafique
Year: 2017
Degree: BS
Department: Institute of Applied Psychology
University: Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the relationship among body image, emotional regulation and social interaction anxiety in patients with Thalassemia. A correlational research design was used for the present study. A sample of (N = 87) patients, including (n = 40) males and (n = 47) females with age range (14 – 40) years was recruited from different blood banks and blood transfusion centers of Lahore through purposive sampling technique. Assessment measures included Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ; Peter et al., 1987) to assess body image, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ; Gross & John, 2003) to assess Emotional Regulation and Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS; Mattick & Clarke, 1998) to measure social interaction anxiety. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis and Hierarchal Multiple Regression Analysis were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed that body image and emotional regulation were positively correlated with social interaction anxiety, while low emotional regulation was a strong predictor of social interaction anxiety. The findings of the current study has implications in the field of health psychology suggesting health psychologists to work with health care professionals in order to provide counseling to people with social anxiety, distress or uncertainty about life. Special opportunities can also be created to let them actively participate in society as a productive and respectful member, especially to inactive patients despite of being physically stigmatized.
Keywords:
Body image, emotional regulation, social interaction anxiety.
