This Handbook reflects the field with major sections on the origin and development of shyness and social anxiety, on social and personality factors, and on clinical perspectives and interventions. The editors have brought together original chapters by some of the leading international experts, to provide a state-of-the-art account of knowledge in this field. The purpose was to review and synthesize a very extensive literature from diverse disciplines, with a critical focus on knowledge that is research-based, central to the understanding of social anxiety, and of essential interest to a wide range of students, researchers and professionals.

This comprehensive, authoritative and up-to-date volume will be of value to students, teachers and researchers in developmental, social and abnormal psychology, as well as to trainees and practitioners in clinical psychology, psychiatry, psychotherapy and counselling.