The development and consequences of social anxiety /
| Main Author: | |
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1991.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | Recently researchers have begun to examine the relationships between aspects of self-efficacy theory, self-presentational theory, and interpersonal theory of psychotherapy. One such exploration is self-presentational theory of social anxiety which posits that social anxiety arises from a motivation for the approval of others combined with a sense of low expectancies for securing that approval. Research literature indicates that this theory has not been evaluated with a sample of children who experience social anxiety or shyness. The purpose of this study was to assess the applicability of self-presentational theory of social anxiety to children and adolescents. Also, gender, age, and parenting style differences in social anxiety were explored. Lastly, the role of social anxiety in the era of puberty was examined and related to Sullivan's (1953) assumptions regarding socialization and its impact on mental health. The history of social anxiety or shyness as a psychological term was reviewed. A similar review was made for literature bearing on the development and consequences of social anxiety in children. Forms of shyness were identified and related to data concerning genetic and environmental antecedents. Literature was also accessed which demonstrates the prevalence of social anxiety and associated problems among children. Using a recently developed and standardized personality instrument for children and adolescents, a sample of 1000 children were evaluated for social anxiety. A social anxiety scale was constructed from existing items on this instrument. Social desirability and locus of control were employed as measures of the two self-presentational conditions. Findings support neither self-presentational theory nor Sullivan's conceptualizations. Low social anxiety subjects scored higher on all indices of psychopathology. The same findings appear when puberty groups are compared, but not when nonpuberty subjects are included in the analyses. No age, puberty, or gender differences on social anxiety were revealed. Discussion on the implications of these data is provided and recommendations for future research are made. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Counseling Psychology." |
| Physical Description: | viii, 132 leaves ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |