The study found that adolescents who experienced negative self-images from an observer perspective reported higher levels of social anxiety both concurrently and over time. While image vividness was associated with current social anxiety symptoms, it did not predict future symptoms. Analysis of image content revealed two common themes: fears of appearing anxious and fears of being judged negatively by others. Overall, the findings suggest that observer-perspective negative self-imagery may play an important role in maintaining adolescent social anxiety and could be a useful target for intervention.