Silent Struggles: Exploring Social Anxiety and Its Impact on Nigerian Adolescents

Abstract

Abstract

Social anxiety affects adolescents’ ability to navigate social interactions, influencing their academic performance and mental well-being. However, research on its prevalence among Nigerian secondary school students remains limited. This study explores the incidence of social anxiety among students in Ilorin, Nigeria, with a focus on gender and age differences. Using a descriptive survey design, 400 students were selected through stratified and simple random sampling. Data were collected via the Incidence of Social Anxiety Questionnaire (ISAQ) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests at a 0.05 significance level. Findings indicate that students commonly experience anxiety in social situations such as eating in public (83.5%), interacting with authority figures (61.8%), and public speaking (61.5%). While age had no significant effect, female students reported higher social anxiety levels than males. The study underscores the need for increased awareness among educators and parents, along with targeted interventions to support adolescents, particularly females, in managing social anxiety. Creating a more inclusive and understanding school environment can help mitigate its effects and enhance students’ overall well-being.