Generalized Social Sensitivity Underlies Both Social Approach and Avoidance Motivation in Youth: A Confirmatory Bifactor Analyses Approach

We examined whether a generalized tendency toward social sensitivity (SS) underlies both social approach and avoidance motivation in youth. Confirmatory bifactor analyses supported a generalized SS construct as well as specific approach and avoidance factors. Generalized SS became more salient across age and was linked with temperament and peer experiences.