Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors as Predictors of Anxiety: A Naturalistic Observation Study

This observational study will examine if reassurance-seeking and checking behaviors are associated with anxiety in college students. Previous research suggests that individuals who experience higher levels of perceived parental anxiety may develop behavioral patterns such as frequent reassurance-seeking or checking behaviors when faced with uncertainty. These behaviors may reflect internalized anxiety-related coping strategies that persist into young adulthood. The purpose of this study is to observe whether these behaviors are related to visible signs of anxiety in natural academic environments. Naturalistic observations will be conducted in campus study environments such as the library. The frequency of reassurance-seeking or checking behaviors (e.g., repeatedly checking instructions or asking peers for confirmation) will be recorded as the predictor variable. Observable anxiety behaviors, such as fidgeting, leg bouncing, nail biting, pacing, or repeated sighing will be recorded as the outcome variable. Both variables will be measured on a continuous scale of behaviors occurring within a set observation period. It is expected that students who display higher frequencies of reassurance-seeking or checking behaviors will also display higher frequencies of observable anxiety behaviors. This would suggest a positive relationship between the two variables.