3. Social Anxiety Among Adolescents

3.1 Definition 

Social anxiety is an intense and persistent fear of social or performance situations where an adolescent believes they will be judged, criticized, embarrassed, or rejected by others. It involves a heightened sense of self-consciousness and fear of negative evaluation, leading to avoidance of everyday social interactions. This fear is disproportionate to actual threat but feels real and overwhelming to the youth.

3.2 Causes 

1. Social media comparison

Adolescents compare themselves with idealized or edited images of influencers and peers. This creates unrealistic standards for beauty, lifestyle, success, or popularity, resulting in fear of not being “good enough.”

2. Bullying / peer rejection

Experiences of teasing, humiliation, exclusion, or online bullying leave emotional scars. This builds a long-term fear of being embarrassed again in public settings.

3. Critical parenting

When parents frequently criticize, scold, or shame children for mistakes, the child grows up overly cautious and fearful. They internalize the belief that "making mistakes equals being rejected."

4. Past embarrassing events

Even a single humiliating incident—such as being laughed at in class—can create a powerful memory. The adolescent begins to avoid similar situations to prevent re-experiencing humiliation.

5. Low self-confidence

Youth who do not believe in their abilities assume others are smarter, more attractive, or more socially skilled. This insecurity intensifies the fear of judgment.

3.3 Signs & Symptoms 

Emotional Symptoms

• Persistent worry about being judged or humiliated.

• Excessive self-consciousness in social settings.

  These emotional reactions create ongoing distress even before the social event occurs (anticipatory anxiety).

Behavioural Symptoms

• Avoiding class presentations, group discussions, competitions, or school events.

• Staying quiet, hiding behind others, or refusing to attend gatherings.

•  Avoidance becomes a coping strategy but worsens anxiety in the long run.

Cognitive Symptoms

• Negative predictions such as:

  • “Everyone will laugh at me.”

  • “I will mess up and embarrass myself.”

• Overestimating the chances of failure and underestimating their own abilities.

  These thoughts fuel anxiety and reduce participation.

Physical Symptoms

• Sweating, trembling, shaking voice, racing heart, nausea.

  These are results of the body’s fight-or-flight response, triggered by perceived social threat.

3.4 Psychosocial Impacts 

1. Reduced participation

Adolescents avoid activities like debates, sports, celebrations, and leadership roles. This limits personal growth and learning experiences.

2. Friendship difficulties

Initiating conversation feels risky. They may remain silent in groups, which others misinterpret as disinterest, leading to fewer friendships.

3. Isolation

Withdrawal from peers creates loneliness, making the youth feel excluded from social circles.

4. Low self-esteem

Repeated avoidance or failures in social situations shape a negative self-image, reinforcing thoughts like “I’m not capable.”

5. Depression risk

Long-term loneliness and negative self-view increase the chance of developing depressive symptoms.

6. Career problems

In adulthood, tasks such as interviews, teamwork, presentations, and client interactions become stressful, limiting career growth.

3.5 Risk Factors

Past bullying experiences

Previous harm from peers increases sensitivity to possible rejection.

Socially anxious family members

Children may learn anxious behaviours from parents or inherit a tendency toward anxiety.

Lack of social exposure

Limited chances to interact with others in early childhood reduce social confidence.

Body image issues

Negative self-perception of appearance increases fear of being judged.

Highly shy temperament

Some individuals are naturally more cautious or sensitive in social settings.

3.6 Protective Factors 

Supportive school environment

Schools that promote inclusion and discourage bullying help adolescents feel safer.

Good friendships

Having even one or two close friends provides emotional support and reduces fear of social rejection.

Encouragement from teachers

Positive reinforcement from teachers increases courage to participate.

Participation in group activities

Exposure to teams, clubs, or social events builds skills and reduces avoidance.

Coping and relaxation skills

Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and emotional regulation help youth manage anxiety symptoms.

3.7 Intervention Approaches

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Helps adolescents identify negative thoughts and replace them with realistic, balanced thinking. Example: “Everyone will judge me” → “Most people are focused on themselves.”

2. Exposure Therapy

Gradual practice of feared situations, starting from easy tasks to difficult ones. Example:

• Step 1: Make eye contact

• Step 2: Speak one sentence in class

• Step 3: Participate in small groups

  This reduces avoidance and builds confidence.

3. Social Skills Training

Teaches practical communication skills: making conversation, assertiveness, body language, and problem-solving. Helps youth function confidently in daily interactions.

4. Mindfulness

Supports emotional regulation by keeping the adolescent focused on the present moment rather than worries or predictions.

5. School-based Programs

Anti-bullying campaigns, peer support groups, and inclusive classroom practices create a safe environment for all students.

6. Parental Counselling

Helps parents reduce criticism, increase emotional support, and encourage gradual exposure instead of overprotection.

7. Referral

Severe cases involving panic attacks, depression, or complete school refusal may require referral to a psychiatrist for medication support.