UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF NEGATIVE EVALUATION, SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

The present study aims to understand the relationship between Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE), Perceived Social Support (PSS), and Psychological Distress (PD) among college students. College students who constantly worry about being judged by peers or teachers may suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem, or isolation, which can affect their academic performance and mental well-being. A total of 150 undergraduate students participated in the study, selected through convenience sampling. The variables were assessed using three standardised self-report scales: the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (Leary, 1983), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). The findings are expected to enhance our understanding of the psychological struggles facedm by students and highlight the protective role of social support in reducing distress.

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