"The brain came to treat social evaluation as a possible threat, activating many of the same neural pathways that respond to physical danger. Our workplaces and performance-driven cultures amplify perceived scrutiny."
"When people focus excessively on themselves during conversations, they experience higher anxiety, appear more nervous to others, and perform worse socially. Directing attention outward reduces anxiety and improves performance."
"Acceptance and commitment therapy focuses on shifting toward value-based action. Instead of asking, 'How am I being judged?' you ask, 'What matters to me in this moment?'"
Nervous systems evolved in small communities where social inclusion was vital for survival, leading to anxiety over social evaluation. Modern environments amplify this anxiety, particularly in performance-driven cultures. Evidence-based methods can help reduce fear of judgment. One method involves shifting focus from self-monitoring to value-based actions, which can alleviate anxiety and improve social performance. Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages individuals to prioritize what matters to them in social situations, rather than worrying about how they are perceived.
Read at Psychology Today
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