Why Do You Have These Fears?
35LEARNING BY OBSERVING OTHERS
Observation is a powerful way of learning to fear speciﬁc objects and situations. This 
form of learning (also called vicarious  learning ) includes developing a fear by observing role 
models who themselves are anxious in social situations. Another form of observational 
learning involves witnessing another person experience a trauma in a social situation. 
Examples of observational learning experiences that could lead to the development of 
social anxiety include:
UÊGrowing up with family members who are very shy and who rarely 
socialize
UÊWatching a classmate be severely criticized by a teacher following a 
presentation
UÊSeeing coworkers become very anxious while giving presentations
UÊWitnessing a friend being teased by other students at school
In the space below, list examples of observational learning experiences that may have 
contributed to or helped to maintain your social anxiety.
Examples of Observational Learning Experiences That May Have Contributed to 
My Social Anxiety
LEARNING THROUGH INFORMATION AND INDIRECT MEANS
People can learn to fear social situations by reading about or being warned about the 
dangers of making a bad impression on others. Examples of situations that could lead to 
developing social anxiety through the transmission of information include:
UÊBeing repeatedly told by parents that it is very important to always make a 
good impression
UÊBeing exposed to messages in magazines and on television that your image 
is the most important thing about you, and that you are only as attractive 
as other people think you are