Theories Of Social Anxiety

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1. What is Social Anxiety?

Social phobia or more commonly known as social anxiety disorder is a very familiar, impairing, but treatable disorder, which impacts the patient in various ways. It is the fear of social situations, and of being judged or evaluated by others around a person (Nardi, 2003). A person with social anxiety disorder finds it hard to interact in social situations, more commonly in unfamiliar situations, and thus has a very limited social circle. It becomes hard for a person to cope with social encounters, often causing distress and other negative emotional and physiological reactions (Nardi, 2003).

There are various explanations of how one develops this disorder (Melinda Smith, 2014). Shyness plays

They face trouble when they are required to give a presentation or perform publicly in any way. These situations are really can cause acute physical and mental suffering, and effect their performance (Hall & Goldberg, 1978).

2.4. Impact of Social Anxiety in Daily functioning

The theory by Baumeister and Leary (1995) talks about the possession of an innate need for belonging in people, a need so strong that it makes them want to interact with others, and form meaningful relationships with them. They develop the need to pursue these social encounters as often and as stronger as possible (Leslie H. Brown, 2007).

This theory shows that when that need to belong is fulfilled, it results in enhanced functioning and a sense of belonging. There is a direct relationship of social interactions with an individual’s daily functioning. There are two extreme ends; causing a negative impact if their social needs are not met, and vice versa.

Social anxiety disrupts the socializing methods of people due to the fear of being humiliated or rejected. Comparing this to social anhedonia (diminished approach drive), social anxiety is when the drive is present but the individual is reluctant to approach social situations. (Leslie H. Brown,

The adolescents must not be shy, or afraid to initiate conversations, which obviously lacks in those who have social phobia. Moreover, it is very important that one should be honest in their opinions, and not just say what they think the other person wants to or would like to hear, as that causes a distance in their relation.

Therefore, it is necessary for one to develop this in adolescence, because “it is during adolescence that the interactional processes that demand and foster close relationship competencies become central in friendship relations”. Thus, learning to develop such intimacy is important in forming relations as early as adolescence (Buhrmester D. , 1990).

These skills, though, are not just limited to adolescence, it also has the same implications when it comes to relations in adulthood, such as romantic relationships or