Comparing the body sensation and social skills of shyness, social phobia and normal individuals

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Abstract

Social phobia and shyness are terms used to describe
those who are reticent in social situations. Despite
similarities between shyness and social phobia, the
majority of shy individuals do not meet criteria for social
phobia. Therefore these two conditions are not the same
and might have some differences. The aim of the current
study was to examine differences between shyness and
social phobia in different aspects.
The sample consisted of 87 participants. 30 participants
were individuals with a diagnosis of social phobia, 26
participants were shy individuals and 31 participants were
normal individuals. Social phobia sample were selected
from counseling center of Shiraz University and control
groups were screened from 300 students who were selected
using cluster sampling method from Shiraz University.
The instruments were used: Social Phobia Inventory,
Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale, Body Sensations
Questionnaire, and Communication skill Test Revised.
Results shoued Shy and social phobia groups compared
will, normal group demonstrated less social skills. Shy and
social phobia groups showed a significant difference in
body sensations scale, but showed no difference in social
skills scale. The results were discussed in terms of different
theories on social phobia.

Keywords

Journal of Psychological Studies
Volume 4, Issue 4
January 2009
Pages 27-44

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