Social Anxiety and Withdrawal

Abstract

Social anxiety, social withdrawal, and social skills are intertwined, but distinct, constructs that can mutually and independently have a significant impact on social functioning. Comprehensive definitions and descriptions of social skills are provided elsewhere in this volume; however, social anxiety is defined as a fear of negative evaluation by others and low self-confidence when performing or interacting in social situations (Rapee & Heimberg, 1997). In addition, social anxiety may be linked with poorer social-cognitive functioning, such as understanding the mental states of others in social interactions or assuming negative outcomes of social behaviors (Banerjee & Henderson, 2001; Rapee & Spence, 2004). Social anxiety is seen as existing on a continuum of intensity, from the low levels seen in socially gregarious individuals, through the typical anxiety experienced by most in situations such as public speaking, to pathological states including Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder (Generalized subtype), and Avoidant Personality Disorder (Holt, Heimberg, & Hope, 1992). Social withdrawal, a related but distinct construct, is described as a tendency to engage in solitary activities and not interact with others, whether due to shyness, social anxiety, or social disinterest (Rubin & Coplan, 2004). Social withdrawal has been implicated as a risk factor for the development of later separation anxiety, social anxiety, and other negative affect syndromes (Prior, Smart, Sanson, & Oberklaid, 2000). Both of these related constructs have historically been implicated as possible causes and consequences of variations in social competence. The relationship among social anxiety, social withdrawal, and social competence has undergone extensive investigation, although considerable work remains. The purpose of this chapter is to outline the current state of the research and discuss important areas requiring additional investigation. First, the research examining whether social anxiety and withdrawal are related to social skills is explored, followed by a review of the research examining the relationship between social anxiety/withdrawal and perceived social competence. Third, the possible causal and bidirectional pathways by which social skills and social anxiety/withdrawal might impact each other is explored, with an emphasis on evaluating the empirical literature supporting each such pathway. Finally, given the interrelationship between social competence and social anxiety/withdrawal, a review of common empirically supported assessment and treatment methods for social anxiety concludes the chapter. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)