Diversity considerations in the assessment and treatment of social anxiety disorder

Peter C. Meidlinger, Debra A. Hope

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite the inherent role that social context plays in understanding and treating social anxiety disorder, the published literature on diversity and social anxiety is surprisingly modest. Gender, race/ethnicity and sexual orientation all appear to influence the prevalence and self-report of social anxiety. These effects may be explained, in part, by cultural variables such as collectivism and self-construal as well as threat of discrimination and identity concealment. There is less evidence of differential treatment outcomes across these variables but the few available studies are underpowered. Examination of the potential role of discrimination experiences reveals the importance of understanding realistic fears versus pathological social anxiety. An integration of Moradi’s (2013) pantheoretical model of discrimination and cognitive-behavioral models of social anxiety may help to conceptualize cases within a multicultural context and facilitate individualized treatment planning.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThe Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Social Anxiety Disorder
Publisherwiley
Pages223-246
Number of pages24
ISBN (Electronic)9781118653920
ISBN (Print)9781119968603
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 3 2014

Keywords

  • Assessment
  • Cognitive behavioral treatment
  • Cultural diversity
  • Discrimination
  • Lesbian and gay
  • Social anxiety
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Social phobia
  • Theoretical models

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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