Social phobia is characterized by a fear of:

Social phobia is characterized by a fear of:

• A. Open spaces
• B. Speaking in front of others
• C. Leaving home
• D. Learning new skills

Answer: (B)

Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is primarily characterized by a significant fear or anxiety about social situations where one may be scrutinized or judged by others. This often manifests as an intense fear of speaking in front of others, which is common among individuals with this disorder. The anticipation of embarrassment or negative evaluation in social contexts, such as public speaking, often leads to avoidance of these situations, reinforcing the anxiety cycle. While open spaces, leaving home, or learning new skills can evoke anxiety for some individuals, these are not the hallmark characteristics of social phobia. Individuals with social phobia are specifically concerned about their interactions with others and the potential for humiliation in social settings, making the fear of speaking in front of others the most accurate representation of this condition.

Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is primarily characterized by a significant fear or anxiety about social situations where one may be scrutinized or judged by others. This often manifests as an intense fear of speaking in front of others, which is common among individuals with this disorder. The anticipation of embarrassment or negative evaluation in social contexts, such as public speaking, often leads to avoidance of these situations, reinforcing the anxiety cycle.

While open spaces, leaving home, or learning new skills can evoke anxiety for some individuals, these are not the hallmark characteristics of social phobia. Individuals with social phobia are specifically concerned about their interactions with others and the potential for humiliation in social settings, making the fear of speaking in front of others the most accurate representation of this condition.