Date of Award:

5-2020

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Human Development and Family Studies

Committee Chair(s)

Ryan B. Seedall

Committee

Ryan B. Seedall

Committee

Josh R. Novak

Committee

Sarah Tulane

Abstract

Tweets containing the popular hashtag #ThisIsWhatAnxietyFeelsLike were analyzed in this study. Six themes emerged from our phenomenological analysis of relational experiences with anxiety as conveyed by the Twitter users including: (a) deflated self in relation to others and their perceptions; (b) fear, worry and avoidance behaviors that influence relationships; (c) negative emotional responses leading to feeling misunderstood, lonely, and like a failure (self-fulfilling prophecy); (d) social triggers; (e) anxiety management strategies; and (f) things for others to avoid. This paper will highlight how anxiety symptoms affect relationships and interactions with others, and implications for clinical work and future research.

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