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It’s typical for teenagers to experience unease or timidity around peers. However, the manner in which their guardians interact with them could potentially alleviate or exacerbate their social anxiety, as revealed by a recent research from the University of Georgia.

The investigators discovered that both mothers and fathers significantly affect their offspring’s social assurance in meaningful yet distinct manners.

Either parent can assist in diminishing social anxiety by demonstrating love, compassion, and acceptance toward their teenager, the investigators found. Conversely, they can worsen it by shaming, guilt-inducing, and being excessively controlling over their children.

“Both moms and dads are contributing fairly equally to the symptoms of social anxiety,” expressed Cullin Howard, the principal author of the research and a doctoral candidate at UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences. “Their contributions are unique. Mothers are important, as are fathers.”

Social anxiety often reaches its peak during adolescence, varying from occasional shyness to severe anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, even mild social anxiety can adversely affect the well-being and development of teenagers, the investigators noted.

Increased parental support associated with fewer anxiety symptoms

The researchers performed a meta-analysis of findings that involved both mothers and fathers.

Additional warmth and affection from both parents correlated with fewer symptoms of social anxiety. In contrast, rejection and emotional distance were associated with elevated levels of social anxiety.

“We are seeing these effects across various cultures and age demographics,” Howard remarked. “Offering more acceptance can serve as a vital means for parents to effectively support their children.”

An overbearing mother may have a greater effect than a strict father

While it is commonplace for parents to establish boundaries, tactics such as guilt-induction, imposing unrealistic expectations, and being overly protective can be harmful, the researchers indicated.

The study revealed that children with excessively controlling parents were more prone to exhibit symptoms of social anxiety. Furthermore, controlling mothers seemed to exert a stronger influence than domineering fathers.

It’s crucial for parents to reflect on what levels of control are essential … and when it morphs into excess, potentially worsening some of their behaviors.”

—Cullin Howard, College of Family and Consumer Sciences

The underlying reason remains unclear.

“Mothers typically assume a larger portion of child-rearing responsibilities at home — even when they are employed,” Howard stated. “It may simply be that, with mothers engaging more in childcare activities, their controlling tendencies become more pronounced.”

However, this doesn’t imply that fathers are unimportant. A supportive and motivating dad who dedicates quality time to his children is likely to have a more substantial effect on their overall well-being.

Finding a balance between independence and authority in parenting

Even though these findings may suggest that imposing restrictions on teenagers is invariably negative, there are still appropriate circumstances for doing so. Being overly lenient and failing to provide guidance can leave adolescents vulnerable to unnecessary risks or uncertain about how to tackle challenges.

Parents should strive to balance setting developmentally suitable boundaries for their children while allowing them the freedom to make their own decisions, according to the researchers.

“There exists an ideal level of control that fosters the child’s independence while providing them with boundaries, guidance, and a suitable framework to thrive in,” Howard indicated. “Yet, overly controlling actions inhibit the child’s ability to learn self-regulation, tackle challenges, and acquire the cognitive skills necessary to navigate social settings without substantial anxiety.”

“It’s vital for parents to assess what degree of control is necessary for the child and when it transitions into excess, possibly aggravating some of their behaviors.”

The research was published in Adolescent Research Review and co-authored by Assaf Oshri, Noel Card, Morgan Muñoz, Clare Thomas, and Geoffrey Brown.

The article Does your child have social anxiety? Here’s how you can help first appeared on UGA Today.

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