Concept introduction:
Behaviors that are adaptive, or helpful, can become maladaptive if they cause concern or discomfort to the individual and interfere with their engagement in daily functioning. Normal brain and behavior reactions, such as initial fear or uncertainty of new faces, can become extreme and be diagnosed as a psychological disorder.
Explanation of Solution
Suggested responses:
Novel faces are unknown. They could represent either a friend or foe. In the first instance of seeing a new face, the brain does not have prior information about the person to know how to judge them. By initially perceiving a novel face as a threat, the brain can prepare the body for “fight or flight” responding in order to protect itself. This is an evolutionary advantage because it could keep people on guard, or prepared to protect themselves, when encountering new faces.
While this approach has some protective advantages, it can also develop into psychopathology. Social anxiety disorder may be diagnosed if the person:
Begins to view new people as extreme threats (fear is disproportionate with the situation)
Fears that strangers and others are harshly judging or criticizing them
Feels frequent distress or discomfort
Has difficulty engaging in normal activities because of these fears
A normal brain reaction has become maladaptive because this person is experiencing extreme thoughts and feelings that are interfering with their daily functioning.
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