Storbeck, Benjamin (2025) Unveiling the Hidden Barrier: Investigating the Existence and Impact of Approach Anxiety in Men's Social Dating Behaviors. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Abstract This thesis was aimed to clarify the construct of "approach anxiety" (AA) in the context of men's social dating behaviors through a comprehensive review of the academic literature to (a) evaluate whether AA is a legitimate and distinct psychological construct and (b) to examine the factors that may contribute to AA. The origin of the term AA remains unclear, but it likely emerged within American dating culture in the late 1990s, potentially reflecting mainstream dating norms and related terminology. The present review is the first to examine early interaction dynamics, such as social anxiety, dating anxiety, fear of rejection, and heterosocial competence, to define AA and review theoretical frameworks to understand AA. My results show a gap in academic literature with zero papers concerning AA directly, despite the widespread recognition of AA in popular media and self-help platforms. 83 papers were identified concerning psychological dynamics of the initial phase in social interaction. AA is shaped by a complex interplay of sex differences, attachment styles, cultural expectations, and individual psychological factors. In this thesis a first conceptual model of AA is introduced that highlights the role of interpersonal performance, social interaction deficits, and psychological challenges as critical determinants of AA. The model connects evolutionary, sociocultural, and psychological underpinnings of AA, and offers directions for future research to establish the validity of AA as a distinct phenomenon. Keywords: Approach Anxiety, Dating Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Fear of Rejection, Heterosocial Competence
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Jeronimus, B.F. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Feb 2025 13:53 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Feb 2025 13:53 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4726 |
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