Social anxiety and work: a qualitative investigation in a low-income, minority sample. Issue 3 (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Himle, Joseph A.; Weaver, Addie; Levine, Debra Siegel; Steinberger, Edward; Bybee, Deborah; Vlnka, Sarah; Miller, Reuben; Laviolette, Wayne T.; Nicoll, Kerri L.
• Is Part Of: Social work in mental health. Volume 18:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 302
• Page End: 330
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Social anxiety -- employment -- poverty -- minorities -- qualitative methods; Psychiatric social work -- Periodicals; 362.2042505
• DOI: 10.1080/15332985.2020.1742850
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-2985

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is associated with employment problems. However, understanding of mechanisms through which SAD impacts employment is limited, and few studies examine employment experiences among racial minorities and economically disadvantaged individuals with SAD. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 unemployed individuals with SAD. Participants described interactions between feelings of social anxiety and anger, in addition to more typical SAD symptoms. Participants also perceived negative judgments from employers based on socio-economic status, appearance, and criminal histories. Participants reported using a range of coping strategies for social anxiety. Clinical implications related to the interplay between poverty, unemployment, and SAD are discussed.