The Hidden Face of Shyness (Paperback)

by Franklin Schneier (Author), Lawrence Welkowitz (Author) "Something strange happened to Harry..." (more)
Key Phrases: social anxiety problems, persons with social phobia, person with social phobia, New York, United States, Never True Sometimes True Always True (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Shyness only begins to cover the range of social anxieties and social phobias covered by Schneier, assistant director of the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, and Welkowitz, a research psychologist also at the institute. There are fears of eating in public and of public bathrooms as well as fears of public speaking, dating, talking to the boss. There's probably more here than the average shy person looking for help wants, as about two thirds of the book is about the factors underlying shyness: biology, evolution, socialization, culture, sociology, psychology and so forth. There is also a chapter composed of tests that, while of excellent provenance, strangely make no distinctions between different sorts of social anxiety. The practical chapters that follow are worthwhile, especially when they stick to solid medical advice or therapy; social advice such as encouraging the wallflower to use "seemingly corny" openers?for example, "Have I seen you somewhere before?" and "Come here often?"?is less so. In a system that prods readers to set specific, realistic goals each week and plot out how to attain them, the authors encourage exposure to unnerving situations and the developing of positive responses to replace (usually unacknowledged) negative ones. Also helpful is concrete advice to parents of shy children and a rundown of the effects and side effects of beta-blockers, benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium), SSRIs (e.g., Prozac) and MAOIs (e.g., Nardil).
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Do you ever have butterflies before giving a speech or feel uncomfortable entering a room full of strangers? Everyone has at least a brush with social or performance anxiety. But for more than 20 million Americans -- men, women, and children from all walks of life -- these problems are an everyday occurrence, often depriving them of success and happiness.

Using dozens of cases like these, Drs. Schneier and Welkowitz illustrate the many puzzling forms of social anxiety and the experiences that trigger it. In addition they offer several simple "self-tests" to help you measure your own level of social anxiety -- and provide an easy-to-follow self-help program that will enable you to overcome it at a speed and in a manner comfortable for you. The book also includes information on state-of-the-art psychotherapy and medical treatments and where to find them, as well as guidance for parents of shy children. Whether you live in terror of embarrassment or are just occasionally shy The Hidden Face of Shyness can help you face people with confidence.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks; 1 edition (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380783991
• ISBN-13: 978-0380783991
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #432,828 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the most helpful book I have read!!, October 14, 1998

By A Customer

If anyone is faced with a problem of shyness, I recommend this book highly!! I couldn't put it down, and it has helped dramatically with my fear of blushing and public speaking. OUTSTANDING!!!!

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very informative and thorough, August 29, 1999

By A Customer

this book was so thorough in describing every aspect of social anxiety. I was able to identify what used to be a problem without a name for me that tormented me all my life when I read this book.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful insight into the types and causes of shyness, March 13, 2000

By A Customer

This book provides an outstanding reference to shyness in various social situations and dives into facinating scientific and biological detail on why shyness occurs. A definate read for anyone who not only wants to overcome shyness but wants to learn more about its evolutionary origins.