Correlation of Executive Function Skills with Perceived Social Anxiety of Senior High School Students in Amparo High School

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between executive function (EF) skills and perceived social anxiety of senior high school students of Amparo High School. The study was conducted using a descriptive-correlational research design and 50 students from Grades 11 and 12, mostly 17 years old. Data was collected using the Executive Skills Questionnaire-Revised (ESQ-R) to measure executive function skills across domains including working memory, cognitive flexibility, emotional control, and inhibitory control, and the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory (SPAI) to assess perceived levels of social anxiety.

Results indicated that students’ overall executive function skills fell in the “Sometimes” range (Total Mean = 2.05), indicating moderate and recurring challenges with self-regulation. The most problematic domain was emotional control, which had the highest item mean (2.50), especially in response to unplanned disruptions. Most items had social anxiety scores consistently at the “Infrequent” to “Sometimes” level. The highest anxiety responses were in performance-related situations such as public speaking and being the center of attention. Interpersonal anxiety was strongest in encounters with strangers and not with familiar persons.

A positive correlation was found between executive function problems and perceived social anxiety, indicating that students with more EF challenges also perceived themselves to have greater social anxiety.

The findings highlight the importance of integrated cognitive-emotional support programs in schools, with a particular emphasis on occupational therapy-based interventions that target emotional regulation and social participation.

Keywords: Executive Function; Social Anxiety; Senior High School; Occupational Therapy; Adolescents, Philippines

Citation

Joyce Marion A. De Leon. Correlation of Executive Function Skills with Perceived Social Anxiety of Senior High School Students in Amparo High School. WebLog J Pediatr. wjp.2026. f1902. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21318640