Introduction

“My fear of people is worsening to the point of getting the shakes when I go shopping, to the gas station or library; not to mention meeting friends and family. Nervous blotches even appear during phone conversations”. This self-description is a good portrayal of social anxiety, a problem frequently experienced by persons seeking psychological help (Hartman, 1983). Socially anxious people experience intense discomfort in situations that involve interacting with others. Casual conversations, parties, public speaking, and many other interpersonal occasions of all sorts can be experienced as threatening and stressful (Turner, Beidel, Dancu, & Keys, 1986). They feel highly anxious and tense; they may be awkward and clearly inadequate in their performances; they may panic and escape from the situation, setting up an avoidance pattern for the future.

People who suffer from social anxiety often will blush, perspire excessively, or tremble, the “blood, sweat, and tears” symptom complex, when they feel exposed to scrutiny by others. And socially anxious persons are especially vulnerable to feeling exposed. They may be fully dressed, but psychologically experience the situation as if naked. They dwell persistently on their own internal dialogue. Negative self-statements and self-preoccupation are rampant. Even the most confident, self-assured individual can be made to feel a little shaky by increasing his or her self-awareness, a focusing on the self in social situations. But when someone has no confidence, feels unworthy and unacceptable, then the effects of self-observation can be paralysing. Even when their attention is turned outward, they search for a clue or sign that others have noticed their discomfort or awkwardness; their panic is only further fuelled.