Exploring the role of personality, expectancies and coping strategies in co-occurring social anxiety disorder and substance use disorder

Social anxiety disorder and substance use disorder are highly prevalent psychological disorders which also commonly co-occur. This research investigated the roles of three key factors in the relationship between social anxiety and substance use, with the aim of improving treatment, education and prevention strategies. Results confirmed the importance of personality (drive sensitivity), alcohol expectancies (beliefs about the effects of alcohol use), and coping strategies. The tension created by having high levels of both sensitivity to reward and punishment, as well as having high levels of both positive and negative expectancies, needs to be incorporated into treatment protocols for affected individuals.