Young people’s experiences of social fears

Abstract

Social fears are considered common and life-restrictive problems, especially among young people. This study examined young people’s experiences of social fears. The data consisted of responses collected via a qualitative e-form questionnaire from Finnish participants (n = 78) whose average age was 25 years. The data were analysed with the content analysis method. The theoretical insights of the study were drawn from symbolic interactionism and the existential-phenomenological approach. The participants’ fears were classified and named in relation to social situations and significant others to 1) Formal situations and authorities 2) Groups and peers 3) Public places and anonymous crowds 4) Dyadic relationships and close people 5) Generalized fears. The study indicates the diversity of social fears. It suggests that dealing with underlying reasons and getting new healing experiences of fear-inducing social situations can help sufferers.

Keywords

• social fears
• experiences
• significant others
• situations
• young people