Exploration of Separation Anxiety Disorder in Emerging Adults of General Population

Background: Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) has traditionally been associated with childhood and adolescence, but recent research indicates that it can persist into adulthood, particularly during the critical developmental stage of emerging adulthood. This study explores the prevalence and gender differences of SAD among emerging adults, a demographic often overlooked in anxiety disorder research. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SAD in emerging adults aged 18 to 27 years, with a specific focus on identifying potential gender differences in the severity of the disorder. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2024 to May 2024 in Faisalabad, Pakistan, involving 176 participants (88 males and 88 females) recruited from public sector educational institutions through convenient sampling. Inclusion criteria required participants to be within the specified age range and currently enrolled in educational programs, while exclusion criteria included physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, and familial issues that could confound the results. Data were collected using the Demographic Information Form and the “Severity Measure for Separation Anxiety Disorder-Adult,” a validated 10-item instrument with a 5-point Likert scale. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.81. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics to summarize demographic characteristics and independent samples t-tests to examine gender differences in SAD severity. Results: The study found that 62.5% of males and 59.1% of females experienced mild levels of SAD, while 14.7% of males and 23.8% of females reported moderate levels. Severe SAD was reported by 3.4% of males and 2.3% of females, with no cases of extreme SAD identified. The independent samples t-test revealed no statistically significant gender difference in SAD severity (t(174) = -1.59, p = 0.11, Cohen’s d = 0.21), although females exhibited slightly higher mean scores (M = 14.39, SD = 7.58) compared to males (M = 12.50, SD = 8.16). Conclusion: The findings indicate that SAD is prevalent among emerging adults, with a substantial proportion experiencing mild to moderate levels of the disorder. Although no significant gender differences were observed, the trend of higher SAD severity in females suggests the need for gender-sensitive approaches in assessment and intervention. These results underscore the importance of early identification and treatment of SAD in emerging adults to prevent long-term psychosocial impairments.