Basic Behavioral Mechanisms and Processes in Social Anxieties and Social Anxiety Disorders

This chapter reviews current behavioral theorizing relating to social anxieties and fears, and their related disorders. One advantage of a behavioral theory of social anxiety disorder (SAD) consists of the wealth of both basic and applied research establishing principles that may be applicable to the understanding and treatment of this syndrome. Although the current behavioral theories of SAD are theoretically consistent and highly effective when applied to its treatment, many of the underlying principles of these theories have not been developed nor highlighted adequately. The learning principles discussed in the chapter are underutilized in terms of problem conceptualization and treatment. For example, behavioral theories of SAD mostly always focus on reinforcers available for phobic and nonphobic behavior, yet few place this conceptualization within a matching law framework. As a result, the principles have heretofore been used only within a loose approximation, thus limiting their potential precision. Presently, from a behavioral perspective, exposure and skills training are standard treatment components, yet there has not been much theoretical guidance provided as to the situations in which these treatments work and what to do in cases in which they do not work.