Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

Social anxiety disorder most commonly begins in which stage of life?

1. Early childhood

2. Adolescence

3. Early adulthood

4. Middle adulthood

The correct answer is: Adolescence

Social anxiety disorder most commonly begins in adolescence. This is a critical developmental period marked by significant social changes, increased peer interactions, and heightened self-consciousness. During adolescence, individuals become more aware of social evaluations, which can trigger or exacerbate feelings of anxiety in social situations. The onset of social anxiety can often be linked to experiences such as bullying, peer pressure, and the quest for social acceptance that are prevalent during this stage of life. These factors contribute to a heightened risk for developing social anxiety disorder, as individuals may begin to fear judgment and scrutiny from their peers more acutely than in earlier developmental stages. In contrast, early childhood is characterized by different developmental milestones focused on basic socialization skills rather than complex social anxieties. By early adulthood, individuals may have already navigated some of the social challenges faced during adolescence, potentially reducing the onset of new anxiety disorders. Middle adulthood typically concerns other life challenges and transitions, rather than the social dynamics that predominantly affect adolescents.