Exploring the effects of social anxiety similarity in newly developed same‐sex friendships

Abstract In studying the interpersonal consequences of social anxiety ( SA ), researchers generally have neglected to account for partner levels of SA . Therefore, in the current study, we examined how SA similarity would influence interpersonal closeness and uncertainty during the early stages of friendship development. Fifty‐six same‐sex friend pairs completed measures of SA , closeness, and uncertainty after knowing each other for approximately 1 month and then again 6 weeks later. Although higher levels of SA at Time 1 were related to more uncertainty, similarity had no effect on closeness or uncertainty at Time 1. However, friends matched on SA experienced increased closeness and decreased uncertainty over the 6 weeks, suggesting SA similarity may become increasingly important as friendships develop.