Cross-Cultural Differences in the Network Structure of Social Anxiety and Body Dysmorphic Symptoms

Examining the Network Structure of Social Anxiety and Body Dysmorphic Symptoms in American, German, and Japanese: A Cross-Cultural Study

This study will examine cross-cultural differences in the network structure of social anxiety and body dysmorphic symptoms across Germany, the United States, and Japan.

This study will investigate the network structure of social anxiety, body dysmorphic symptoms, depressive symptoms, and shame across Germany, the United States, and Japan. Social anxiety disorder and body dysmorphic disorder frequently co-occur and share several clinical features beyond fear of negative evaluation (Coles et al., 2006; Dietel et al., 2021; Fang et al., 2011). Both conditions have also been found to exhibit high comorbidity with major depressive disorder (Acarturk et al., 2008; Grant et al., 2005; Gunstad & Phillips, 2003; Phillips et al., 1998). Cognitive-behavioral therapy targeting social anxiety disorder or body dysmorphic disorder has been shown to significantly alleviate depressive symptoms (e.g., Enander et al., 2016; Noda et al., 2023; Ritter et al., 2023). Shame has also been implicated in the development of depressive symptoms, as well as social anxiety disorder and body dysmorphic disorder (Kim et al., 2011). Comparing the symptom networks of social anxiety, body dysmorphic symptoms, and depression-and identifying central symptoms within each cultural context-may contribute to the development of transdiagnostic treatments with cross-cultural applicability.

Inclusion Criteria:

• German, American, and Japanese citizens over 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who do not obtain consent