Developmental Challenge: Ryann Holp

Anxiety disorders affect 25.1% of children between 13 and 18 years old. Research shows that leaving untreated children with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance abuse. I chose to address social anxiety during early childhood. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering seek treatment. As a teacher it is important that I understand the symptoms and treatments that correlate with social anxiety. Vygotsky argued that social interaction is crucial to the development of children.

It provides language opportunities, which Vygotsky believed was the foundation of thought. Just like Vygotsky, Skinner believed that people and animals learn by association.

They observe those around them and assume it is the correct way to act. In the article “Do You “Want” to Play? Distinguishing Between Conflicted Shyness and Social Disinterest in Early Childhood”, Robert J. Coplan attempts to distinguish two types of social withdrawal in early childhood. One is based on social fear and anxiety; despite the desire to socially interact with others while the other topic focuses on a lack of strong motivation to engage in social interaction.

Shy children are desirous of peer interaction, but are inhibited by social fear and anxiety. Many children suffer from disinterest, which is just like dissociation.

This means connecting that if they go out and play they will be happy and less shy. There is a dissociation between an early developing mind and a fully-grown mind. A lot of young kids and teens learn from their parents what to do and what not too do or how to act or how not to act.

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While dissociation is something that doesn’t have to be diagnose there are many symptoms, such as shyness, disinterest, discomfort, and questioning one’s self. The results from this article were critical, children should be diagnosed and prescribed certain mediation that are non-addictive, but effective.  Most toddlers, ages 3 and 5 are diagnosed, but most are not treated. This has resulted in pro-longed diseases worsening over time. There are many programs offered if medication isn’t the right choice this early on in their development.

Scientists have many studies on how social anxiety begins. The study starts with rats, when a rat is neglected or shown how to behave from a parental view point it corresponds the same way, when the rat is loved and nourished it feels welcomed and stands more towards being normal. I believe that a lot of anxiety disorders come from watching their parents. Parental styles also seem to be related to the development of childhood shyness. There is evidence to suggest that authoritarian parenting is related to social isolation and withdrawn behaviors in childhood. However authoritative parenting has been connected to child sociability and social competence. As above only 36.9% of children get help or use medication.

If they don’t it becomes a lifelong disease that is hard to control or get help for. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense fear of social and performance situations. This can significantly impair a child’s school performance and attendance, as well as their ability to socialize with peers and develop and maintain relationships. The Anxiety And Depression Association Of America is a foundation that offers families with proactive resources to understand and treat their child’s disorder.

References

1. Childhood Anxiety Disorders. (2018, September/October). Retrieved February 26, 2019, from https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/childhood-anxiety-disorders
2. Coplan, R. J., Prakash, K., O’Neil, K., & Armer, M. (2004). Do You “Want” to Play?
3. Distinguishing Between Conflicted Shyness and Social Disinterest in Early Childhood.
4. Developmental Psychology, 40(2), 244–258. https://doi-org.ezp.lib.cwu.edu/10.1037/0012-1649.40.2.244