Bidirectional relationships between interpretation biases, safety behaviors, and social anxiety

Abstract Theoretical models of social anxiety (SA) propose bidirectional relationships between SA, interpretation biases, and safety behaviors (Safe-B). However, longitudinal studies evaluating these are scarce. The main objective this study was to analyze the biases (from ambiguous situations faces), Safe-B, SA. A two-time carried out with participation 575 vocational training students ( M = 19.49, SD 2.41). Both measured through faces Safe-B predicted higher levels SA in second time. In turn, a relationship found Safe-B. no were Among others, limitations include high attrition rate (30.4%) proportion male (62.1%). findings highlight role bias as new initiative, supports Implications discussed throughout manuscript.