The role of artistic creativity in predicting difficulties in emotion regulation and reducing social anxiety: insights from a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common psychiatric condition marked by an intense fear of negative evaluation and social avoidance, which can significantly impair quality of life. Recent research has highlighted the importance of emotion regulation in the development and maintenance of SAD. Artistic creativity has been suggested as a potential factor that can enhance emotion regulation and reduce social anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between artistic creativity, emotion regulation difficulties, and social anxiety in adults.MethodsThis correlational, descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 320 participants, including university students and professional or semi-professional artists from Tehran. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.ResultsThe results revealed a significant negative correlation between artistic creativity and both emotion regulation difficulties (r = - 0.42, P < 0.01) and social anxiety (r = - 0.38, P < 0.01). Additionally, multiple regression analysis showed that artistic creativity significantly predicted 18% of the variance in emotion regulation difficulties and 15% of the variance in social anxiety (P < 0.01).ConclusionThese findings suggest that enhancing artistic creativity may serve as a protective factor in improving emotion regulation and reducing social anxiety. It is recommended that creative arts programs be incorporated into mental health promotion initiatives, particularly in academic and cultural settings.