Situational anxiety is the activation of the anxiety system in specific contexts (public speaking, interviews, exams, dates). Unlike social anxiety disorder, it is circumscribed to one or a few situations and does not generalize. The person functions well in other social contexts but blocks in the specific one.
Concept origin
Barlow DH. (2002). Anxiety and its disorders: The nature and treatment of anxiety and panic. Guilford Press.
How it manifests
- ▸ Physiological activation (tachycardia, sweating) in specific context
- ▸ Anticipatory catastrophic thoughts
- ▸ Performance significantly affected by anxiety
Therapeutic approach
Gradual exposure, breathing techniques, and cognitive restructuring are the treatments of choice. Specific coaching for the situation (e.g., public speaking) can complement. Unlike social anxiety disorder, it usually responds quickly to intervention.
Related concepts
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