College students face multiple challenges, such as information explosion, popularity of social media, and increased competitive pressure, which leads to social anxiety disorder in some of them. Marxist theory, as the guiding ideology of China, provides a perspective on the comprehensive development and self-realization of human beings. In recent years, the exploratory attempts of colleges and universities for Civic Education have become a focus of attention in the education sector as to whether they can effectively alleviate the social anxiety disorder of college students after incorporating Marxist theory.

Five hundred college students were selected as research subjects for the study. The experimental group was subjected to Civics education incorporating Marxist theory, while the control group received conventional Civics education. The research cycle was one academic year, using the SAS-A scale (Symptom Assessment Scale-adolescent), Negative Appraisal Fear Scale, and Comprehensive Interpersonal Relationship Diagnostic Scale. Pre-intervention, mid-intervention, and post-intervention tests were conducted to examine the subjects’ dynamic changes in social anxiety.

The study proved that after one academic year of education, in the experimental group, college students’ adaptability to social situations increased, and their confidence in interacting with others significantly improved.

Through the integration of Marxist theory, civic education in colleges and universities can effectively help college students overcome social anxiety and enhance interpersonal communication skills. This kind of education helps students form a healthy outlook on life and values and deepens their understanding and identification with Marxist theory.