The Impact of Fear of Negative Evaluation on Social Loneliness and Academic Engagement among College Students

Abstract

The present study examined the impact of fear of negative evaluation on social loneliness and academic engagement among college students. Using a quantitative primary research design, data were collected from 200 undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18–25 years through standardised measures: the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale–8, and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale–Student Version. Pearson’s correlation and Regression analyses were used for data analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between fear of negative evaluation and social loneliness, and a significant negative relationship between fear of negative evaluation and academic engagement. Social loneliness was also negatively associated with academic engagement. Further, fear of negative evaluation significantly predicted both social loneliness and academic engagement. The study highlights the role of evaluative fears in influencing college students’ social well-being and academic involvement.