Comparison of Moral Intelligence, Depression, and Attachment Styles in Adolescents with and without Social Anxiety Disorder

Robabeh Rostami  Janaghard; Vahid Pour  Saeid; Faranak Saeedi  Moghadam; Farzin Bagheri  Sheykhangafshe; Hojjatollah  Farahani

doi:10.18502/tbj.v24i2.19660

Robabeh Rostami Janaghard Masters of Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran
Vahid Pour Saeid Masters of Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran
Faranak Saeedi Moghadam Masters of General Psychology, Payame Noor University, Zarrinshahr Branch, Zarrinshahr, Iran
Farzin Bagheri Sheykhangafshe Ph.D in Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Hojjatollah Farahani Associate Professor Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tbj.v24i2.19660

Keywords: Social Anxiety Disorder, Moral Intelligence, Depression, Attachment Styles

Abstract

Introduction: Psychological disorders during adolescence can significantly affect emotional, social, and academic development. One of the most common of these disorders is Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), which may lead to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and a reduced quality of life in adolescents. The present study aimed to compare moral intelligence, depression, and attachment styles between adolescents with and without SAD.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive causal-comparative design. The statistical population comprised high school students from districts 2 and 6 of Tehran Province during the 2024 academic year. A convenience sample of 240 adolescents (120 diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and 120 without the disorder) was selected based on their scores on the Social Anxiety Inventory; participants scoring one standard deviation above the mean (score ≥ 33) were classified as having social anxiety disorder, while those with lower scores were categorized as non-anxious. Participants completed the Social Anxiety Inventory, Moral Intelligence Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Adult Attachment Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using MANOVA and ANOVA via SPSS version 27.

Results: The results indicated a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding moral intelligence, depression, and attachment styles (P<0/001). Adolescents with SAD exhibited lower levels of moral intelligence and secure attachment, as well as higher levels of depression, avoidant attachment, and ambivalent attachment compared to their non-SAD peers.

Conclusion: Adolescents with social anxiety disorder have lower moral intelligence and weaker secure attachment and suffer more from depression and maladaptive attachment styles (avoidant and ambivalent). These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to strengthen emotional-social skills and reduce depressive symptoms in this group and emphasize the critical role of families and schools in promoting adolescent mental health.