| Few studies have examined the links between childhood shyness and later generalized social phobia. Additionally, there are no factors that predict who will outgrow shyness and who will not. Research has shown that chronic self-conscious shyness and generalized social phobia share similar phenomenology, etiology, and developmental and vulnerability factors. 'They differ with regard to severity and thus it has been suggested that shyness and generalized social phobia exist along a continuum of social anxiety. The current study aimed to investigate the association between chronic self-conscious shyness and later generalized social phobia. Five young adults with Generalized Social Phobia, between the ages of 20 and 21, participated in this study. This study was a retrospective analysis of the childhood antecedents of Generalized Social Phobia. Participants responded to multiple questions, via the internet, concerning their childhood experiences that included: self-perception, family, school, peers, and social phobia. Results showed that all participants reported negative childhood experiences at home, school, and in social interactions. Furthermore, adolescence seems to have been a particularly difficult time for all participants. This study provides more support for the social anxiety spectrum and the notion that certain factors help maintain social anxiety and increase its severity. Clinical implications are discussed. |
