Coping with Shyness and Social Phobias: A Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Social Anxiety

by Ray Crozier, Lynn E. Alden

Often misunderstood and underappreciated, social anxiety is one of the most prevalent psychological problems in the West

Shyness and social phobia will affect one in twenty people and can prevent those suffering from leading their lives to the full. In this supportive and informative guide, psychologists Crozier and Alden explore the reason and meaning behind social anxiety and consider the various treatments on offer; including medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Supported by case studies and the latest in psychological research and practice, the authors distinguish between shyness and the debilitating effects of social phobia in refreshingly relatable terms. Presenting up-to-date information on the methods people are using to overcome their difficulties and giving an objective appraisal of their effectiveness and limitations, this book is an invaluable resource for those trying to understand their own anxieties or the anxieties of others.

Genres: Self Help

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Laurla2]

a helpful book. i skipped the first 100 pages or so because i'm already quite familiar with what shyness and social anxiety are.

many shy people see themselves as 'outsiders' in the social world; in it, but not truly part if of it.
their silence contrasts with their active participation on other occasions. they know they can be talkative when they are not inhibited by shyness.
social anxiety can lead to unsatisfying social relationships, loneliness, and social isolation.
over-protectiveness is not helpful for vulnerable children and may maintain their shyness and anxiety as they lack opportunities to confront their fears and learn from them.
people with social anxiety tend to view their anxiety as an embarrassing personal defect.
few doctors or health care professionals have sufficient experience or training with social anxiety disorder.
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (mbct) teaches the process of attending thoughts and feelings without judgment or trying to change them.
willingness to describe ones training and to answer questions before treatment begins is required conduct for therapists.
people with social anxiety disorder are prone to a variety of negative conditions:
-negative self beliefs - uninteresting, inadequate, not worthwhile
-negative social beliefs - often based on past experiences such as having overprotective parents or being the target of rejection, exclusion, or bullying
- negative social predictions - negative expectations, expect things will go badly
-negative social interpretations - a pause in conversation = person is bored with you, exaggerated over-interpreted significance
-biased judgments - underestimate own social performance and others' responses to us
- rumination - going over and over situations, berating selves with negative distortions

for my records - i took a lot more notes

[Rose Snow]

The first few chapters were a bit chaotic and repetitive. The chapters on CBT and medication were, in my opinion, well written and useful.

[Ratu Avia Rahimah]

A handy manual on Shyness, Social Anxiety and Social Phobia. It gives us a clear explanation about the distinctions between the three terms. From this book, you can find various strategies, treatment and support options to overcome SAD, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Social Skills Training, Graduated Exposure, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Pharmacotherapy. A recommended resource for psychology and counselling students, also for anyone who is troubled with social anxiety issues.

[Luise]

Must read for anyone that is feeling 'out of place' or anxious in some social situations.
Really clears a lot of things up.