A Short Review on the Relationship between Social Anxiety and Empathetic Abilities and Impact on Cognitive Skills and Functions

Social anxiety disorder is the most common type of anxiety disorder, and normally starts at an early age. The study aimed to discuss relationship between social anxiety and empathetic abilities and impact on cognitive skills and functions by using review method. Social anxiety disorder is the most common type of anxiety disorder and normally starts at an early age. There are two theories that were used in the past to explain where social anxiety comes from the skills deficit theory and the response inhibition response theory. Meanwhile, being shy could be interpreted as being an introvert, without being labeled as having a disorder. The shyness was invariably associated with lack of empathetic skills and understanding, due to these individuals being so overwhelmed from their own personal feelings to be able to respond positively to the feelings of others. The study found social anxiety negatively affects empathetic abilities, which in turn negatively effects on cognitive functioning.