Social Anxiety and Close Relationships: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study

##article.authors##

  • Kate Elisabeth Jane Nielsen University of Calgary
  • Sharon L. Cairns University of Calgary

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Applied Practice

##article.abstract##

Few studies have looked at social anxiety and close relationships. Whereas these studies were quantitative, this study used a qualitative approach, hermeneutic phenomenology to explore the meaning of being in a close relationship for eight individuals with social anxiety. Participants completed a written questionnaire with open-ended questions about their experiences in their closest relationship. The themes suggest that these individuals are capable of forming close relationships. However, they tend to adopt an insecure attachment style in their relationships. The themes are discussed in light of cognitive behavioural and interpersonal theory and therapy.

##submission.authorBiographies##

  • ##submission.authorWithAffiliation##
    MSc, Counselling Psychology, University of Calgary
  • ##submission.authorWithAffiliation##
    Associate Professor, University of Calgary PhD

##submissions.published##

2010-06-29

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##issue.vol## 43 ##issue.no## 3 (2009)

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Articles/ Articles

##submission.license##

Copyright is retained by the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

##submission.howToCite##

Social Anxiety and Close Relationships: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study. (2010). Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 43(3). https://dev.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/rcc/article/view/58869