Exploration of Separation Anxiety Disorder in Emerging Adults of General Population
Separation Anxiety in Emerging Adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1339Keywords:
Separation Anxiety Disorder, Emerging Adults, Gender differencesAbstract
Background: Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), traditionally associated with children and adolescents, is increasingly recognized in adults, impacting their social, academic, and personal functioning. Emerging adults, in particular, may experience SAD due to significant life transitions and relational dynamics.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the prevalence and gender differences of separation anxiety disorder in emerging adults of the general population.
Methods: A total of 176 emerging adults (88 boys and 88 girls), aged 18 to 27 years (M = 21.29; SD = 2.51), were recruited from public sector educational institutes in Faisalabad using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Demographic Information Form and the Severity Measure for Separation Anxiety Disorder-Adult. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests, were performed using SPSS Version 25.
Results: The study found that 62.5% of boys and 59.09% of girls experienced mild separation anxiety, with 23.8% of girls and 14.7% of boys reporting moderate levels. A non-significant gender difference was observed (t = -1.59, df = 174, p = 0.11, d = 0.21).
Conclusion: Separation anxiety disorder is prevalent among emerging adults, with mild to moderate levels noted regardless of gender. Early intervention is crucial to prevent escalation of symptoms.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Riffat Sadiq, Maryam Abdul Razaq, Manahil Tahir, Farheen Khalid, Jaweria Anwar
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