Self-criticism in social phobia : a qualitative analysis

• Main Author: Pugh, M. A.
• Published: University College London (University of London) 2010
• Subjects: 616.85
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.625425

This thesis is divided into three parts. Part one reviews research and theoretical literature exploring the role of shame in social phobia. The results indicate that high shame represents a core feature of social phobia. Whether shame derives from, or generates, social phobia remains unclear. Part two is an empirical paper which explores self-criticism in social phobia using a qualitative methodology. The results of the study identify six distinct categories of self-criticism which maintain social phobic symptoms through the lowering of self-efficacy. Part three provides a critical appraisal of the empirical study. A number of issues arising during the research are discussed including difficulties collecting the data, the implications of the findings in terms of the conceptualisation and treatment of social phobia, and the author's personal reflections upon the process of conducting the research.