In
dynamics of self-concept and in tendency to self-actualization are found primary causes of Shyness and Social Anxiety Disorder / Social Phobia. It seems that these conditions result from introduction, in self-concept, of elements which obstruct self-actualization. This obstruction is damaging and experienced as discomfort inasmuch as it precludes that a given force, self-actualization, expands. We will detail each part. Self-concept
What self-concept is – It is set of values and beliefs, conscious or accessible to one's consciousness, as well as attitudes and opinions individual has of himself, of himself as regards others, world and all that one's mind can reach.
In case of Shyness or Social Anxiety, concepts must be examined: • as regards himself; • as regards himself vis à vis other person.
Concepts as regards oneself – They are predominantly depreciative. Examples: "I've got nothing to talk to other people about", "I am not able to face life", "I am ugly", "I am not knowledgeable", "I am not intelligent", "I feel unprotected, like a child", "It is awful when someone belittles me", "I cannot stand being rejected", "I am not nice to be with", "I have no presence of mind", "I cannot tell jokes or interesting tales", "Indeed I do have 'that' problem", "I am ashamed by 'that' problem of my parents". Many of these concepts – or similar concepts – fit neatly into what is known as low self-esteem or beliefs.
Concepts of oneself vis à vis other person – This "other" is perceived as stronger, more capable and intrinsically hostile. Examples: "People are ready to jump on me and criticize me", "Everybody has a boy/girlfriend, except me", "Nobody gives a hoot about what I say", "People may not actually come right out and say it, but they do not think well of me", "Everyone sees me as a child and will try to take advantage of me", "If I react, he / she will catch me from behind", "Other folks are always judging me", "They will make fun of me, depending on what I say", "If they do not laugh at me in my face, they will surely do it behind my back", "What if they discover 'that' problem?", "If I blow it or shoot myself in foot, everybody will know about it", "No one look at me with respect".
Previous experiences – For these concepts to be impregnated into one's self, person will have gone through lasting experiences.
Self-actualization
Tendency to Self-Actualization – A concept created by Kurt Goldstein in 1940 and later widely used by Carl Rogers, it means a basic force which drives person forward and onwards. This force has biological and psychological aspects. In psychological field there are forces which drive us on in several directions. When these forces are obstructed, we feel discomfort.
Social Anxiety Disorder and Shyness – Feelings
Feelings experienced through Shyness and Social Anxiety – These are feelings one experiences when a situation brings up depreciative aspects of self-concept and threat represented by other person. Example: individual whose self concept says "I have nothing to talk to other people about" and he faces someone whom he figures is about to criticize him – will feel discomfort in that situation. In fact, this discomfort is a set of feelings and emotions, threat and danger being rather common – this is known as anxiety. Then this anxiety arises from obstruction of force that drives person to social integration.
