The Mediating Roles of Shyness in the Relationship Between Fear of Negative Evaluation and Psychological Well Being Among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

This study examined the mediating roles of shyness in the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and psychological well-being among undergraduate students, guided by Self-Determination Theory. A total of 672 students (447 females, 225 males; ages 18–29, M = 19.92, SD = 1.87) were recruited from eight Nigerian universities and one college of education using multi-stage purposive and availability sampling. Standardized instruments were employed: Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (1989), Watson and Friend’s Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (1969), and McCroskey and Richmond’s Shyness Scale (1982). Data were analysed using mediated multiple hierarchical regression in SPSS (Version 27). Results showed that fear of negative evaluation significantly predicted shyness, but neither shyness nor fear of negative evaluation predicted psychological well-being. Consequently, the hypothesized mediation model was not supported. Findings highlight the complexity of psychological well-being and suggest that other mediators, such as self-esteem, emotional regulation, and social support, may better explain the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and well-being.