Influence of Self-Concept, Body Dissatisfaction, and Interaction Anxiety on Fear of Negative Evaluation among Kaduna State University Students, Kaduna State
Keywords:
Self-concept, body dissatisfaction, interaction anxiety, fear of negative evaluationAbstract
Fear of negative evaluation (FNE) is a critical psychosocial concern among students, impacting academic engagement, social interaction, and overall psychological adjustment. Despite growing research on social anxiety, few studies have examined the joint influence of self-concept, body dissatisfaction, and interaction anxiety on FNE. This study investigated how these factors predict FNE among undergraduate students at Kaduna State University, Kaduna State. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, and participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected from 402 undergraduate students aged 16–30 years (M = 22.06, SD = 2.93) using standardised measures of Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation, Self-Concept, Body Dissatisfaction Scale, and Social Interaction Anxiety Scale. Three hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis and independent samples t-tests at a 0.05 level of significance.Results indicated that self-concept, body dissatisfaction, and interaction anxiety jointly predicted FNE (R = .417, R² = .174, p < .001). Independently, self-concept negatively predicted FNE (β = −.157, p < .01), whereas body dissatisfaction (β = .134, p < .01) and interaction anxiety (β = .367, p < .001) positively predicted FNE. Gender differences were observed, with male students reporting higher FNE (M = 19.13, SD = 4.13) than females (M = 17.15, SD = 3.43). Age and academic level jointly predicted FNE (R = .20; R² = .04; Adj. R² = .04; F(2, 381) = 8.30; p < .001), though only age independently predicted FNE (β = −.25; t = −2.89; p < .01), indicating lower FNE among older students. The findings highlight the importance of self-perception, body-related concerns, and interaction anxiety in shaping FNE among undergraduates. Interventions aimed at fostering positive self-concept, promoting body acceptance, and enhancing social confidence are recommended to reduce evaluative fears and support students’ psychosocial well-being.
References
Abamara, N. C., Oguegbe, T. M., Opiah, C. A., & Nwangwu, N. I. (2022). Body image and self-esteem as predictors of binge eating disorders among female undergraduates, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. UJGR – UNIZIK Journal of Gender Research, 1(1), 69–91. https://journals.aphriapub.com
Adeleke, O., & Afolabi, O. (2023). Social anxiety and academic performance among Nigerian undergraduates: The mediating role of fear of negative evaluation. African Journal of Psychology and Behavioural Studies, 15(1), 55–70.
Afolabi Aroyewun, B., Karatu, A., & Onyegesi, G. (2023). Anxiety and fear of negative evaluation as predictors of hypomanic activity among freshly admitted university students in Lagos, Nigeria. Kabale University Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 2(1), 45–61.
Akinyede, M. R., & Obosi, A. C. (2025). Moderating Role of Gender in the Relationship among Social Media Use, Body Image Perception and Self-Esteem of In-School Adolescents in Abeokuta. Nigerian Journal of Social Psychology, 8(1).
Balogun, S. K., & Aruoture, E. (2024). Cultural homogenization vs. cultural diversity: Social media's double-edged sword in the age of globalization. African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences, 14(4), 1491-1512.
Balogun, S. K., Nwankwo, B. E., Okehie, H. U., & Aruoture, E. U. (2024). Beauty and sexuality in African setting. Nigerian Journal of Social Psychology, 7(2).
Beckers, D., Burk, W. J., Larsen, J. K., & Cillessen, A. H. (2025). Friends' influence on adolescents' loss of control eating: The moderating role of self‐esteem, fear of negative evaluation, and body dissatisfaction. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 35(1), e70005.
Biachi, V. C., Madu, S. N., Nwachukwu, K. B., Odilora, C., & Onyemaechi, C. I. (2025). Effects of self-concept, body dissatisfaction, and gender on students’ fear of negative evaluation in Anambra State. Ojukwu Journal of Psychological Services, 1(3), 1–20.
Carleton, R. N., Collimore, K. C., & Asmundson, G. J. G. (2021). Social anxiety and avoidance behaviours in university students: Implications for performance and engagement. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 83, 102446.
Carleton, R. N., McCreary, D. R., Norton, P. J., & Asmundson, G. J. G. (2006). Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale—Revised. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 20(8), 1059–1073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2006.10.002
Chiaghana, C. A., Uchendu, C. E., & Obi, I. R. (2024). Influence of Instagram on body image and self-esteem among female Nnamdi Azikiwe University undergraduates. Journal of Mass Communication & Social Research, 393–414.
Chinawa, F. C., Anike, R. U., & Ekwo, J. C. (2024). Self-concept and body image satisfaction as predictors of fear of negative evaluation among undergraduate students. International Journal of Education and Evaluation, 10(4), 275–287.
Darteh, E. K. M., Ninnoni, J. P. K., & Okyere, J. (2024). Perceived discrimination, anxiety and mood disorders among university students during the COVID-19 era: evidence from a Ghanaian public university. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1274585.
Dolejš, J., Dostál, J., Obereignerů, I., & Orel, J. (2021). Questionnaire of Self-Concept-18 (QSC-18). [Original development and psychometric validation].
Elhai, J. D., Rozgonjuk, D., & Sharma, M. (2022). Social media use, fear of negative evaluation, and anxiety in university students. Computers in Human Behaviour, 134, 107338.
FA, O., & van Onselen, A. (2024). Body image dissatisfaction, disordered eating attitudes and nutritional status among female undergraduate students in Lagos, Nigeria. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition & Development, 24(2).
Fadipe, M. G., Ogunyemi, A. A., Amodu, V. F., Oyelade, O. J., & Igomigo, R. O. (2024). The influence of fear of negative evaluation, parenting styles and coping techniques on self-disclosure to parents and psychological health among emerging adults of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 9(6), 12–27.
Fatoki, S., & Oladejo, R. (2023). Academic stress, fear of evaluation, and engagement among undergraduates in Nigeria. African Journal of Educational Research, 11(2), 77–91.
Fernández Castillo, Á., & Chacón Borrego, F. (2022). Self Concept Modulates Motivation and Learning Strategies in Higher Education: Comparison According to Sex. Education Sciences, 15(7), 873. MDPI
Gazo, A., Mahasneh, A., Al Jobour, F., & Al Adamat, O. (2024). Social Anxiety and Its Relationship with Fear of Positive Evaluation and Fear of Negative Evaluation among University Students. Dirasat: Human and Social Sciences, 51(6), 1–19.
Glory, P. A. U. L., & Ben, O. V. (2025). Effect of self-concept and body dissatisfaction on the fear of negative evaluation among tertiary students in Kogi State. Journal of Health and Human Movement Studies, 3(Special), 108–114.
Jarrar, Y., Awobamise, A. O., & Nweke, G. E. (2022). The mediating effect of social anxiety on the relationship between social media use and body dissatisfaction among university students: evidence from Uganda. Frontiers in Communication, 7, 900257.
Kalash, N., Harb, H., Zeeni, N., El Khoury, M., & Mattar, L. (2023). Determinants of body image disturbance and disordered eating behaviors among self-identified LGBTQ individuals. Journal of Eating Disorders, 11(1), 87.
Leary, M. R. (1983). A brief version of the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 9(3), 371–375. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167283093007
Leary, M. R. (1992). Self-presentation: Impression management and interpersonal behavior. Westview Press.
Liu, S., Hu, W., Yang, Y., & Yang, F. (2023). Body dissatisfaction and smartphone addiction: The mediation role of intrusive imagery and fear of negative evaluation. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1217220. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1217220
Liu, X., Yang, Y., Wu, H., Kong, X., & Cui, L. (2022). The roles of fear of negative evaluation and social anxiety in the relationship between self-compassion and loneliness: A serial mediation model. Current Psychology, 41(8), 5249–5257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02697-1
Lv, et al. (2024). The Relationship between Self Esteem and Social Phobia among College Students: The Mediating Effect of Fear of Negative Evaluation and the Moderating Effect of Perfectionism. International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 26(6), 491–498. ScienceDirect
Macovei, C. M., Bumbuc, Ș., & Martinescu-Bădălan, F. (2023). The role of personality traits in mediating the relation between fear of negative evaluation and social interaction anxiety. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1268052. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1268052
Matos, R., Chacón Cuberos, R., & Fernández Castillo, Á. (2023). Academic self-concept: A central motivational construct. In Motivation Science: Controversies and Insights. Oxford University Press.
Mattick, R. P., & Clarke, J. C. (1998). Development and validation of measures of social phobia scrutiny fear and social interaction anxiety. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 36(4), 455–470. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7967(97)10031-6
Nwankwo, O. D., Ohakwe, G. C., Ike, P. R., & Ekebosi, C. N. (2020). Fear of negative evaluation and self-efficacy as social-psychological predictors of job involvement of physically challenged persons in Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria. International Journal of Health and Psychological Research, 8(1), 1–20.
Okeke, C. I. (2025). Exploring the link between evaluation apprehension and academic anxiety among university students. Ethan Journal of Sport Sciences, 13(3), 50–66.
Olawuyi, B. O., Adeleke, M. J., & Badamas, O. L. (2023). Family type and social anxiety among university undergraduates in Ilorin, Kwara State. University of Ilorin Journal of Lifelong Education.
Pang, T., Wang, H., Zhang, X., & Zhang, X. (2024). Self-concept clarity and loneliness among college students: The chain-mediating effect of fear of negative evaluation and self-disclosure. Behavioral Sciences, 14(3), 194. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030194
Paul, G. O., & Olowoleni, V. B. (2025). Effect of self concept and body dissatisfaction on the fear of negative evaluation among tertiary students in Kogi State. Journal of Health and Human Movement Studies, 3(Special), 108–114.
Schlenker, B. R. (1980). Impression management: The self-concept, social identity, and interpersonal relations. Brooks/Cole.
Segun Martins, I. O. (2024). Body image and perceived social anxiety as predictors of fear of negative evaluation among Nigerian university students. Unpublished Manuscript. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria.
Shavelson, R. J., Hubner, J. J., & Stanton, G. C. (1976). Self Concept: Validation of Construct Interpretations. Review of Educational Research, 46(3), 407–441.
Tariq, M., & Ijaz, T. (2015). Development of Body Dissatisfaction Scale for University Students. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 30(2), 305–322.
Ugwuanyi, O. (2022). Social anxiety and academic performance among Nigerian university students: The mediating role of fear of negative evaluation. African Journal of Educational Research, 11(2), 77–91.
Willemse, M., Smith, L., & Petersen, J. (2023). Body image dissatisfaction and social evaluative anxiety among marginalized populations: Evidence from LGBTQ and stigmatised groups. Journal of Social Psychology, 163(4), 450–468.