Social Anxiety Resources
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National Social Anxiety Center (NASC)
NASC provides access to evidence-based psychotherapy services and resources to treat social anxiety. They disseminate up-to-date research and increase the public’s awareness and understanding of social anxiety.
Basic facts about social anxiety; a blog with accessible and interesting personal stories; psychotherapy clinics across the United States that treat social anxiety; clinician-focused resources.
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Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety and depressive disorders through education, practice, and research.
Facts about the etiology and development of anxiety disorders; update-to-date research; evidence-based treatment options for social anxiety (as well as other anxiety disorders and depression).
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Andrew Kukes Foundation for Social Anxiety (AKFSA)
AKFSA’s mission is to provide education to people with social anxiety, mental health and educational professionals, physicians, and the general public about the diagnosis and treatment of social anxiety disorders.
Overview of social anxiety disorder; actionable suggestions to help; research articles, including subsections to find articles for “sufferers,” “family friends & mentors,” and “professionals.”
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Social Anxiety Support Forum
An online community/support group dedicated to people with social anxiety; discussions include treatment, self-help, and recovery.
Wide range of discussion topics posted by users; interactive forums similar to Reddit; caveat: limited quality control, so information may not be accurate.
Informational Brochures & Interactive Online Materials
Accessible Blog Posts, Articles, & Videos
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How to Overcome Social Anxiety
Psyche is a digital magazine from Aeon that illuminates the human condition through psychology, philosophy, and the arts.
A comprehensive overview of social anxiety symptoms, causes, and prevalence rates. Provides actionable tips for treatment.
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6 Ways to Deal with Social Anxiety When It Strikes
Wondermind is a mental health startup that aims to improve mental fitness through education and practical daily tips.
Evidence-based strategies for managing social anxiety.
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Social Anxiety
Noba is a non-profit organization that provides free academic resources, all written by experts in their field.
A comprehensive overview of social anxiety symptoms, causes, and treatment.
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12 Powerful Ways to Help Overcome Social Anxiety
Psychology Today provides mental health resources written by psychologists, clinicians, and researchers.
Abbreviated explanations of tips for managing and reducing social anxiety.
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How I Manage My Social Anxiety at Work
Harvard Business Review (HBR) is a rigorous journal that produces educational content rooted in science and that provides actionable tools to improve human health
Provides a thorough overview of social anxiety, including distinguishing it from introversion and how it can interfere with work; provides actionable strategies to manage social anxiety at work.
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Why you feel anxious socializing (and what to do about it)
TED is owned by a nonprofit, nonpartisan foundation, with the mission to “discover and spread ideas that spark imagination, embrace possibility and catalyze impact.
In crowds, at parties, meetings, get-togethers with friends, and everyday interactions: social anxiety can show up as an unwelcome guest at any time. But why? Psychologist Fallon Goodman digs into the source of social anxiety, setting the record straight about this common condition with practical solutions to help you feel the most authentically "you" while out and about.
Books for Professionals
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Managing Social Anxiety, Therapist Guide: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach (Treatments That Work)
Managing Social Anxiety, Therapist Guide: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach (Treatments That Work). Written by Debra A. Hope, Richard G. Heimberg, & Cynthia L. Turk.
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Helping Students Overcome Social Anxiety Skills for Academic and Social Success (SASS)
Helping Students Overcome Social Anxiety Skills for Academic and Social Success (SASS). Written by Carrie Masia Warner, Daniela Colognori, & Chelsea Lynch.
Self-Help Books
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Managing Social Anxiety, Workbook: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach (Treatments That Work)
Managing Social Anxiety, Workbook: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach (Treatments That Work). Written by Debra A. Hope, Richard G. Heimberg, & Cynthia L. Turk.
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The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook
The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook: Proven, Step-by-Step Techniques for Overcoming your Fear. Written by Martin M. Antony PhD, & Richard P. Swinson MD
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The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens
The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens: CBT and ACT Skills to Help You Build Social Confidence. By Jennifer Shannon LMFT (Author), & Doug Shannon (Illustrator).
Academic Research Articles
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What Is the Core Fear in Social Phobia? A New Model to Facilitate Individualized Case Conceptualization and Treatment
Moscovitch, D. A. (2009). Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 16, 123–134.
A research article identifying the core fear of people with SAD and implications for treatment.
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The aetiology and maintenance of social anxiety disorder: A synthesis of complementary theoretical models and formulation of a new integrated model
Wong, Q. J., & Rapee, R. M. (2016). Journal of Affective Disorders, 203, 84–100.
A systematic review that proposes a model of SAD incorporating etiological factors and maintenance.
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New theoretical conceptions of social anxiety and social phobia
Trower, P., & Gilbert, P. (1989). Clinical Psychology Review, 9, 19–35.
A theoretical paper explaining social anxiety from an evolutionary perspective.
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A Systematic Review of the Psychometric Properties of Trait Social Anxiety Self-Report Measures
Modini, M., Abbott, M. J., & Hunt, C. (2015). Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 37(4), 645–662.
A systematic review assessing the psychometric properties and strengths of different self-report measures of social anxiety.
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A Cognitive Behavioral Model of Social Anxiety Disorder: Update and Extension
Heimberg, R. C., Brozovich, F. A., & Rapee, R. M. (2010). In S. G. Hofmann & P. M. DiBartolo (Eds.), Social anxiety: Clinical, developmental, and social perspectives (pp. 395–422). Elsevier Academic Press.
A book chapter explaining seminal theoretical models of social anxiety.
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Are people with social anxiety disorder happier alone?
Goodman, F. R., Rum, R., Silva, G., & Kashdan, T. B. (2021). Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 84, 102474.
A research article demonstrating that people with social anxiety disorder report higher positive emotions when they are socializing than when they are alone.
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Whether, how, and when social anxiety shapes positive experiences and events: A self-regulatory framework and treatment implications
Kashdan, T. B., Weeks, J. W., & Savostyanova, A.A. (2011). Clinical Psychology Review, 31(5), 786–799.
A research article examining how social anxiety interferes with positive emotions and experiences.
Self-Report Measures of Social Anxiety
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Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale
A self-report measure of distress and avoidance in different social situations.
-24 Total Questions-
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Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN; Mini-SPIN)
A self-report measure of social anxiety across three areas: fear, avoidance, and physiological symptoms.
-17 Total Questions-
(3-item version available, i.e., “Mini-SPIN”)
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Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale
A self-report measure of one’s fear of being judged negatively.
-12 Total Questions-
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Social Anxiety Interaction Scale
A self-report measure of distress and avoidance in various social situations.
-20 Total Questions-
Forums/Support Groups
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Social Anxiety Support Forum
An online community/support group dedicated to people with social anxiety; discussions include treatment, self-help, and recovery.
Wide range of discussion topics posted by users; interactive forums similar to Reddit; caveat: limited quality control, so information may not be accurate.