The treatment of extreme shyness in maladjusted children by implosive, counselling and conditioning approaches

Journal/Book: Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1982; 66: 173-89.

Abstract: This article deals with the reason why little research has been conducted into the area of timidity or shyness in children, and the effect this has on their socialisation and learning. The study attempts to define and treat the problem of timidity by: reducing anxiety both general and specific; developing greater assertiveness in the child's behaviour; promoting the ability to communicate effectively with other people; discovering and treating the areas which are creating feelings of inadequacy by reducing or eliminating them; investigating parental background and trying to influence this, and attempting to decrease over-sensitivity. A control group of 11 and an experimental group of 11 are studied and treated after random sampling. The duration of study is 7 months. They are treated for 6 months and followed up by reassessment of both groups 2 weeks after the 6-month period. The sample is assessed by the MPI (Maudsley Personality Inventory) and a rating scale. Among the implosive approaches used is the forcing of the individual to react by promoting an emotion such as anger, or even verbal or physical attack, to develop communication of some kind. Individuals are therefore forced to participate in activities such as swimming and games, experience loud noises in music, are involved in drama therapy and encouraged to mix with members of the opposite sex. Additionally, behaviour therapy is used including the shaping of increasingly assertive responses. Timidity is modified statistically by showing an improved reading ability and through the measurement of extroversion on the MPI. No such change is reported in the control group. Changes in reading, spelling and math are also in the expected desired direction.

Keyword(s): Adolescence. Behavior Therapy. Child. Conditioning (Psychology). Counseling. Female. Human. Implosive Therapy. Interpersonal Relations. Male. Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care). Social Adjustment. Social Behavior Disorders/psychology/therapy. Token Economy. Verbal Behavior

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