Abstract

MOTA, José Paulo. Influence of socio-cultural factors and the independence-interdependence dimension on the focus of Social Anxiety. Psicologia [online]. 2008, vol.22, n.2, pp.51-69. ISSN 0874-2049.

The objective of this review article is the highlighting of the importance and potential effect of socio-cultural variables and the independence-interdependence dimension on how social anxiety will manifest itself. To accomplish that goal, a review is presented of the symptoms commonly associated with maladaptive social anxiety as described in DSM-IV-TR and CID-10 (associated thus with western culture, especially contemporary European and North-American). In addition, an analysis of bibliographical accounts of such kinds of anxiety as experienced in other cultures (Asian cultures in particular, with special emphasis on Japanese culture), and a bibliographical review of the literature concerning this topic are presented. These form the basis for the discussion of the proposed topic, and for the raising of questions relevant to future investigation and clinical practice.

Keywords : Social anxiety; Taijin-kyofu-sho; socio-cultural variables; independence-interdependence dimension; embarassment; cultural anthropology.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )