Social Withdrawal in Childhood
What is it? Why is it important?
1
Social Withdrawal in Childhood

Definitions (Chapter 8, M & B)







Social Withdrawal- “consistent display (across situations and
over time) of all forms of solitary behavior when
encountering familiar and/or unfamiliar peers” (p.376).
Social Isolation-”expression of solitary behavior that results
from being isolated or rejected by peer group” (p.376).
Inhibition-”disposition to be wary and fearful when
encountering novel situations” (p.375).
Shyness-”display of inhibition in in response to socialevaluative concerns” (p.376).
Passive Withdrawal-child withdraws from peer group
(p.376).
Solitary-passive Behavior-observed solitary behavior that
consists of exploratory and constructive activity(p.376)
Social Phobia-fear of doing or saying things in public that
will bring shame or humiliation(p.376)
2
Social Withdrawal in Childhood

Basic Assumptions:

Peer Interactions Essential for Normal Socialcognitive and Socioemotional Development




Peer Interactions influence the development of social
cognitions
Foundations for mutual respect, cooperation, and
interpersonal sensitivity
Decline in egocentric thinking
There are Developmental Consequences for
Those Children Who Do Not Interact with Peers
3
Social Withdrawal in Childhood

SW and Clinical Diagnosis





Over-controlled or Internalized Disorder/Problem
Behavioral Inhibition-associated with subclinical
assessments of anxiety
Shyness-not generally associated with or
predictive of anxiety disorder in adolescence, but
shyness throughout childhood >anxiety in
adolescence
SW related to some personality disorders in
adulthood
Unknown=relationships between SW in childhood
and later SW, motivations for behaviors
4
Social Withdrawal in Childhood

Developmental Course of SW









Behavioral Inhibition
Attachment Relationships
Temperament and Attachment
Attachment, Inhibition, and SW
Inhibition and Social Reticence and Withdrawal in
Early to Middle Childhood
Stability of SW
Correlates of SW
Friendship and SW
Victimization and SW
5
Social Withdrawal in Childhood

SW as a Predictor of Maladaptation


Waterloo Longitudinal Project (WLP)
Parenting
Beliefs and Cognitions
 Behaviors and SW


Epidemiological Factors and SW
Sex-few differences in prevalence, but do
differ in correlates
 Culture

6