Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Social Anxiety, Problem Drinking, and Self-Awareness

  • Chapter
Perception of Self in Emotional Disorder and Psychotherapy

Part of the book series: Advances in the Study of Communication and Affect ((ASCA,volume 11))

Abstract

More than a century ago Charles Darwin (1872/1955) invoked self-awareness as a necessary but not sufficient condition for experiencing social distress: “It is not the simple act of reflecting on our own appearance, but the thinking what others think of us, which excites a blush” (p. 325). A final ingredient for a complete recipe is a negative sense of self-worth. That is to say, a fundamental belief in one's self as inadequate, inferior, or deficient in some respect. In the following pages, the concept of social anxiety is defined and its role in the development and maintenance of alcoholism is reviewed. Varying theoretical models are presented that provide a rationale for addressing social anxiety as a treatment target in excessive drinking. Parallel hypotheses for understanding and treating social anxiety are identified and intervention strategies derived from these varying conceptualizations. Finally, an innovative therapeutic strategy based on decentering strategies is described. This new treatment approach is specifically designed to address pernicious self-awareness as the central deficient mechanism in social anxiety.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Abel, G. G. (1976). Assessment of sexual deviation in the male. In M. Hersen &A. S. Bellack (Eds.), Behavioral assessment: A practical handbook. New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abrams, D. B., &Wilson, G. T. (1979). Effects of alcohol on social anxiety in women: Cognitive versus physiological processes. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 88 ,161–173.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Allman, L. R., Taylor, H. A., &Nathan, P. E. (1972). Group drinking during stress: Effects on drinking behavior, affect, and psychopathology. American Journal of Psychiatry, 129 ,669–678.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arkowitz, H., Lichtenstein, E., McGovern, K., &Hines, D. (1975). The behavioral assessment of social competence in males. Behavior Therapy, 6 ,3–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Towards a unifying theory of behavior change. Psychological Review, 89 ,191–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bellack, A. S., Hersen, M., &Turner, S. M. (1976). Generalization affects of social skills training in chronic schizophrenics: An experimental analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 14, 391–398.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Borkovec, T. D., Stone, N. J., O’Brien, G. T., &Kaloupek, D. B. (1975). Evaluation of a clinically relevant target behavior for analogue outcome research. Behavior Therapy, 5 ,504–514.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cacioppo, J. T., Glass, C. R., &Merluzzi, T. V. (1979). Self-statements and self-evaluations: A cognitive-response analysis of heterosocial anxiety. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 3 ,245–262.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cappell, H. (1975). An evaluation of tension models of alcohol consumption. In R. J. Gibbins, Y. Israel, H. Kalant, R. E. Popham, W. Schmidt, &R. G. Smart (Eds.), Research advances in alcohol and drug problems (Vol. 2, pp. 177–209). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cappell, H., &Herman, C. P. (1972). Alcohol and tension reduction: A review. Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 33 ,33–64.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carver, C. S., &Scheier, M. F. (1981). The self-attention-induced feedback loop and social facilitation. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 17 ,545–568.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chaney, E. F., O’Leary, M. R., &Marlatt, G. A. (1978). Skill training with alcoholics. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 44 ,1092–1104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, J., &Arkowitz, H. (1975). Social anxiety and self-evaluation of interpersonal performance. Psychological Reports, 36 ,211–221.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, R., Appelt, H., Olbrich, R., &Watzl, H. (1979). Alcoholic women treated by behaviorally oriented therapy: An 18-month follow-up study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 4 ,489–498.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Conger, J. J. (1956). Alcoholism: Theory, problem and challenge. II. Reinforcement theory and the dynamics of alcoholism. Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 17 ,296–305.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Curran, J. P., &Gilbert, F. S. (1975). A test of the relative effectiveness of a systematic desentization program and an interpersonal skills training program with date anxious subjects. Behavior Therapy, 6 ,510–521.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daly, E. M., Lancee, W., &Policy, J. (1983). A conical model for the taxonomy of emotional experience. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 45 ,443–457.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Darwin, C. (1955). The expression of the emotions in man and animals. New York: Philosophical Library. (original work published 1872)

    Google Scholar 

  • Deardorff, C. M., Melges, F. T., Hout, C. N., &Savage, D. J. (1975). Situations related to drinking alcohol: A factor analysis of questionnaire responses. Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 36 ,1184–1195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glass, C. R., Gottman, J. M., &Shurak, S. H. (1976). Response acquisition and cognitive self-statement modification approaches to dating skills training. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 23 ,520–526.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goldfried, M. R., &Sobcinski, E. (1975). Effects of irrational beliefs on emotional arousal. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 43 ,504–510.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hall, R., &Goldberg, D. (1977). The role of social anxiety in social interaction difficulties. British Journal of Psychiatry, 131 ,610–615.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hartman, L. M. (1979). The preventive reduction of psychological risk in asymptomatic adolescents. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 49 ,121–135.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hartman, L. M. (1982). Anxiety, imagery and self-regulation. Journal of Psychiatric Treatment and Evaluation, 4 ,333–336.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartman, L. M. (1983). A metacognitive model of social anxiety: Implications for treatment. Clinical Psychology Review, 3 ,435–456.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hartman, L. M. (1984). Cognitive components of social anxiety. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 40, 137–139.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hartman, L. M., &Daly, E. M. (1983). Relationship factors in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 21 ,153–160.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hersen, M., &Eisler, R. M. (1976). Social skills training. In W. E. Craighead, A. E. Kazdin, &M. Mahoney (Eds.), Behavior modification: Principles, issues and applications. Boston, MA: Houghton &Mifflin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, R. L., &Marlatt, G. A. (1975). Fear of interpersonal evaluation as a determinant of alcohol consumption in male social drinkers. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 84 ,644–651.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hull, J. G. (1981). A self-awareness model of the cause and effects of alcohol consumption. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 90 ,586–600.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hull, J. G., &Young, R. D. (1982). The self-awareness reducing effects of alcohol consumption: Evidence and implications. In J. Suls &A. G. Greenwald (Eds.), Social psychological perspectives of the self (Vol. 2, pp. 159–190). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hull, J. G., Levenson, R. W., Young, R. D., &Sher, K. J. (1983). Self-awareness-reducing effects of alcohol consumption. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44 ,461–473.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, E. E., &Berglas, S. (1978). Control of attributions about the self through self-handicapping strategies: The appeal of alcohol and the role of underachievement. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 4 ,200–206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kanter, N., &Goldried, M. R. (1979). Relative efficacy of rational restructuring and self-control densensitization in the reduction of interpersonal anxiety. Behavior Therapy, 10 ,472–490.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keane, T. M., &Lisman, S. A. (1980). Alcohol and social anxiety in males: Behavioral, cognitive and physiological effects. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 89 ,213–223.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Klajner, F., Hartman, L. M., &Sobell, M. B. (1984). Treatment of substance abuse by relaxation training. Addictive Behaviors, 9 ,41–55.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lang, A. R., Goeckner, D. J., Adesso, V. J., &Marlatt, G. A. (1975). Effects of alcohol on aggression in male social drinkers. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 84 ,508–518.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leventhal, H., &Cupchik, G. D. (1976). A process model of humor judgment. Journal of Communication, 26 ,190–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewinsohn, P. M. (1975). The behavioral study and treatment of depression. In M. Hersen, R. M. Eisler, &P. M. Miller (Eds.), Progress in behavior modification (Vol. 1, pp. 19–64). New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malkiewich, L. E., &Merluzzi, T. V. (1980). Rational restructuring versus desensitization with clients of diverse conceptual levels: A test of a client-treatment matching model. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 27 ,453–461.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marlatt, G. A. (1976a). Alcohol, stress and cognitive control. In I. Sarason &C. Speilberger (Eds.), Stress and anxiety. (Vol. 3, pp. 117–153). Washington, DC: Hemisphere.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marlatt, G. A. (1976b). The Drinking Profile: A questionnaire for the behavioral assessment of alcoholism. In E. J. Mash &L. G. Tendal (Eds.), Behavior therapy assessment: Diagnosis and evaluation (pp. 121–137). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marlatt, G. A. (1978). Alcohol, stress and cognitive control. In P. E. Nathan &G. A. Marlatt (Eds.), Experimental and behavioral approaches to alcoholism. New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marlatt, G. A., &Marques, J. K. (1977). Meditation, self-control and alcohol use. In R. B. Stuart (Ed.), Behavioral self-management: Strategies, Techniques and outcomes. New York: Brunner/ Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marlatt, G. A., Demming, B., &Reid, T. B. (1973). Loss of control drinking in alcoholics: An experimental analogue. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 81 ,233–241.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marlatt, G. A., Kosturn, L. F., &Lang, A. R. (1975). Provocation to anger and opportunity for retaliation as determinants of alcohol consumption in social drinkers. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 84 ,652–659.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, P. G., Keltner, A. A., &Marshall, W. J. (1981). Anxiety reduction, assertive training and enactment of consequences. Behavior Modification, 5 ,85–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marzillier, J. S., Lambert, C., &Kellet, J. (1976). A controlled evaluation of systematic desensitization and social skills training for socially inadequate psychiatric patients. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 14 ,225–238.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McClelland, D. C., Davis, W. M., Kalin, P., &Werner, E. (1972). The Drinking Man. Free Press: New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDonald, P. J., Harris, S. G., &Maher, J. E. (1983). Arousal-induced self-awareness: An artifactual relationship? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44 ,285–299.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, P. M., &Eisler, R. T. (1977). Assertive behavior of alcoholics: A descriptive analysis. Behavior Therapy, 8 ,146–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, P. M., Hersen, M., Eisler, R. M., &Hilsman, G. (1974). Effects of social stress on operant drinking of alcoholics and social drinkers. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 12 ,67–72.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Banion, K., &Arkowitz, H. (1977). Assertive behavior of alcoholics: A descriptive analysis. Behavior Therapy, 8 ,146–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Banion, K., &Arkowitz, H. (1977). Social anxiety and selective memory for affective information about the self. Social Behavior and Personality, 5 ,321–328.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Leary, D. E., O’Leary, M. R., &Donovan, D. M. (1976). Social skill acquisition and psychosocial development of alcoholics: A review. Addictive Behaviors, 1 ,111–120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olson, R. P., Ganley, R., Devine, V. T., &Dorsey, G. C., Jr. (1981). Long-term effects of behavioral versus insight-oriented therapy with inpatient alcoholics. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 49 ,866–877.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Parker, J. C, Gilbert, G. S., &Thoreson, R. W. (1978). Reduction of autonomic arousal in alcoholics: A comparison of relaxation and meditation techniques. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology ,1978, 46 ,879–886.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pliner, P., &Cappell, H. (1974). Modification of the affective consequences of alcohol: A comparison of social and solitary drinking. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 83 ,418–425.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Polivy, J., Schuenemen, A. L., &Carlson, K. (1976). Alcohol and tension reduction: Cognitive and physiological effects. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 85 ,595–600.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Poser, E. G., &Hartman, L. M. (1979). Issues in behavioural prevention: Empirical findings. Advances in Behaviour Research and Therapy, 2 ,1–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, C. (1961). On becoming a person. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, P. (1979). A comparison of three behaviour therapies in the treatment of social phobia. British Journal of Psychiatry, 134 ,620–623.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, R. E., &Sarason, I. G. (1975). Social anxiety and the evaluation of negative interpersonal feedback. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 43 ,429.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Solomon, R. L. (1977). An opponent-process theory of motivation: IV. The affective dynamics of addiction. In J. D. Fraser &M. E. P. Seligman (Eds.), Psychopathology: Experimental models (pp. 66–103). San Francisco: Freeman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steffan, J. J., Nathan, P. E., &Taylor, H. A. (1974). Tension-reducing effects of alcohol; further evidence and some methodological considerations. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 83 ,542–547.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Strickler, D. P., Tomaszewski, R., Maxwell, W. A., &Suib, M. B. (1979). The effects of relaxation instructions on drinking behavior in the presence of stress. Behaviour Research and Therapy ,77,45–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tollison, C. D., &Adams, H. E. (1979). Sexual disorders: Treatment, theory and research. New York: Gardner Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trower, P., Yardley, K., Bryant, B. N., &Shaw, P. (1978). The treatment of social failure. Behavior Modification, 2 ,41 -60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tucker, J. A., Vuchinuch, R. E., &Sobell, M. B. (1981). Alcohol consumption as a self-handicapping strategy. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 90 ,220–230.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Twentyman, L. T., &McFall, R. M. (1966). Behavioral training of social skills in shy males. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 3 ,689–693.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wegner, D. M., &Giuliano, T. (1980). Arousal-induced attention to self. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 38 ,719–726.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, A. F. (1966). Social drinking, anxiety and depression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 3 ,689–693.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, G. T., &Abrams, D. B. (1977). Effects of alcohol on social anxiety and physiological arousal: Cognitive versus pharmacological processes. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 1 ,195–210.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, G. T., &Lawson, D. M. (1976). Expectancies, alcohol and sexual arousal in male social drinkers. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 85 ,587–594.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, G. T., Abrams, D. B., &Lipscomb, T. R. (1980). Effects of intoxication levels and drinking pattern on social anxiety in men. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 41 ,250–264.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolpe, J., &Lazarus, A. A. (1966). Behavior therapy techniques. Oxford: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zimbardo, P. G. (1977). Shyness. Reading, PA: Addison-Wesley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zuroff, D. C., &Schwarz, J. C. (1978). Effects of transcendental meditation and muscle relaxation on trait anxiety, maladjustment, locus of control, and drug use. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46 ,264–271.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Addiction Research Foundation, University of Toronto, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2S1

    Lorne M. Hartman

Authors
  1. Lorne M. Hartman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Addiction Research Foundation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Lorne M. Hartman

  2. Department of Psychology, Erindale College, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Kirk R. Blankstein

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1986 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Hartman, L.M. (1986). Social Anxiety, Problem Drinking, and Self-Awareness. In: Hartman, L.M., Blankstein, K.R. (eds) Perception of Self in Emotional Disorder and Psychotherapy. Advances in the Study of Communication and Affect, vol 11. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-1793-7_10

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-1793-7_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9004-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-1793-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation