The impact of social anxiety on student learning and well-being in higher education

Abstract

Background

This paper reports findings from two complementary web-surveys conducted in the UK, in which 787 university students described their experiences of social anxiety.

Aims

The aim was to explore the impact of social anxiety on student learning and well-being in the context of higher education.

Method

Participants self-selected using a screening tool and completed a web-based questionnaire.

Results

The findings are consistent with previous research on social anxiety and suggest that for a significant minority of students, social anxiety is a persistent, hidden disability that impacts on learning and well-being.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the need for enhanced pedagogic support for students with social anxiety.

Keywords:

• social anxiety
• higher education
• learning
• well-being