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Social anxiety disorder (SAD), marked by an overwhelming fear of judgment in a social setting, can be meaningfully understood through Abraham Maslow's phenomenological theory of personality. Rooted in humanistic psychology, Maslow's theory emphasizes one’s subjective experience, potential, and innate drive towards self-actualization (Maslow, 1943). In Maslow's model, the personality structure is built upon a hierarchy of needs, beginning with physiological and safety needs and progressing towards love, esteem, and self-actualization. Social anxiety often arises when esteem and belonging needs are unmet, leaving individuals stuck in a state of insecurity and hypersensitivity to social evaluation. Conflict between the need for connection and fear of rejection disrupts physiological growth. Maslow views human behavior as dynamic and purpose-driven, moving toward greater fulfillment unless obstructed. In SAD, this process is hindered by fear-based perceptions of self and ot...

  Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by the extreme fear of social judgment or embarrassment and can be deeply understood through Carl Jung's psychoanalytic theory of personality. Jung proposed that the psyche is structured around core elements such as the ego, persona, shadow, and self. These elements contribute to how individuals relate to themselves and the world (Jung, 1966).      From a Jungian perspective, SAD often stems from an over-identification with the persona, the social mask one presents to the world. Individuals with social anxiety may fear that their true self, particularly the shadow, which signifies aspects they repress, such as insecurity or imperfection, will be exposed and judged. This inner conflict between the ego and the shadow creates psychological tension and fuels anxiety (Stein, 1998).      In terms of growth and development. Jung viewed personality as unfolding through individuation, the lifelong process of in...

       Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder: The Role of Personality and Individual Differences Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also referred to as social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of social evaluation or interaction situations. Affecting approximately 7% of the US population in a given year, SAD can significantly impair daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Those diagnosed with SAD often avoid social challenges or experience them with extreme distress, leading to a vicious cycle of avoidance and reinforced anxiety. Additionally, extreme discomfort may be displayed, resulting in missed opportunities for personal and professional growth, which imposes increased co-occurring conditions such as depression and substance use disorders. Empirical research has increasingly emphasized personality traits and individual differences in developing and maintaining S...

      Hi there! I am Kiona Bryant, and if there is one thing you should know about me, I have made it my mission to understand the human mind and help others heal theirs. I am pursuing my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Walden University, where I am learning (and loving) the art and science of helping people through life's most challenging chapters.      My journey into psychology started with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Health, minoring in Psychology. That foundation led me to Ball State University. I earned my master's in educational psychology and a minor in Applied Behavioral Analysis (Because who doesn't like a little structured reinforcement?). By combining real-world experience and academic experience, I will become a knowledgeable, deeply human clinical psychologist.      I have always been fascinated by how people think, act, and feel. Transformation happens in therapy; sometimes that starts with just feeling ...