Blogpost 6: Culture of Social Anxiety

You may not think of social anxiety as a phobia in the same way that people are afraid of heights or snakes, but this is how it is classified. If your only triggered is public speaking, you would be diagnosed with specific social anxiety disorder. If, on the other hand, you fear most different kinds of social situations, the term generalized SAD would be used. You may be wondering what the difference is between shyness and social anxiety. The difference is that while shy people are uneasy in social situations, they do not experience extreme dread in anticipation of these events, and don't tend to avoid situations that make them uneasy. People with the social anxiety also are not necessarily shy. In some social situations, they may be completely at ease.

As I read the article of Asnaani A. Hoffman about the Cultural Differences in Social Anxiety. This research tells us that there can be differences in social anxiety disorder based on culture. If different cultures have different social rules and expectations this makes sense; what is considered appropriate behavior in one culture might be viewed differently in another.It shows that, accordingly, there are variations in the prevalence of social anxiety in different cultures.There is no research evidence to support a difference in treatment response for SAD among different cultures. However, research has shown that Asians in North America tend to delay treatment more than those of other cultures. In some Asian cultures such as Japan or Korea, people with SAD may fear offending others rather than being embarrassed.

In my overall understanding, social fears are dependent on the cultural context in which you live. If you are being evaluated for social anxiety disorder, it is important that the mental health professional make a diagnosis that takes into context your culture and social norms. What might be considered socially appropriate behavior in Japan will not in the United States. Social anxiety should always be evaluated taking one's culture into consideration.

The only thing that could spoil a day was people.  People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.  ~Ernest Hemingway

http://socialanxietydisorder.about.com/od/overviewofsad/a/Cultural-Differences-In-Social-Anxiety-Disorder.htm