The Paradox of Social Anxiety: Safety Behaviors That Undermine Social Likability

Social anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While many individuals with social anxiety strive to avoid social situations altogether, others try to cope with their anxiety by engaging in safety behaviors, such as avoiding eye contact, speaking softly, and avoiding social interactions. However, a new study has found that these safety behaviors can paradoxically backfire and lead to negative social outcomes.

The study, published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, aimed to explore how restrictive safety behaviors impact social likability and social outcomes. The researchers recruited 92 undergraduate students, who completed self-report measures of social anxiety, restrictive safety behaviors, and social competence. Then, the students participated in a social interaction task, during which they were rated on their likability and social awkwardness by their peers.

The results of the study revealed that individuals with higher levels of social anxiety tended to engage in more restrictive safety behaviors during the social interaction task. Furthermore, these behaviors were associated with lower levels of social competence and likability, as rated by the peers. Specifically, individuals who engaged in more restrictive safety behaviors were rated as less likable, less assertive, and more socially awkward by their peers. The findings suggest that the use of restrictive safety behaviors may undermine social interactions and lead to negative social outcomes.

The authors of the study suggest that individuals with social anxiety may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy or other treatments that target these restrictive safety behaviors and promote more adaptive social behaviors. By addressing these maladaptive safety behaviors, individuals with social anxiety may be better equipped to navigate social situations and form more positive social relationships. Overall, the study highlights the importance of addressing the paradox of social anxiety, in which safety behaviors intended to reduce anxiety can actually perpetuate negative social outcomes.