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In socially anxious individuals, a biased self-referential perception of gaze directions may underlie the fear of being the center of attention and cause uneasiness and discomfort.
Is eye contact anxiety a disorder?
Background: Excessive fear of scrutiny is a defining feature of social anxiety disorder. Eye contact may trigger feelings of being scrutinized, and although eye contact is commonly feared in persons with social anxiety disorder, it has been studied little.
What is the fear of eye contact called?
What Is Eye Contact Anxiety? Eye contact anxiety refers to the discomfort a person feels when looking at someone directly in the eyes. A person with eye contact anxiety may avoid making eye contact when talking to someone.
What does poor eye contact mean?
“Lack of eye contact” is a well-known symptom of autism. People with autism are less likely to look directly at another person’s eyes, which suggests they’re less engaged with others or less responsive to people in general.
Eye contact anxiety can interfere with everyday social interactions. By the same token, the ability to maintain good eye contact is an important aspect of social interaction. People who look others in the eye are perceived as friendly and welcoming.
Why do I get anxiety when I look at someone’s eyes?
Eye Contact and Social Anxiety Disorder Often, people with social anxiety disorder (SAD) describe looking someone in the eyes as anxiety-provoking and uncomfortable. This is likely due, in part, to genetic wiring.
How can I be more approachable to people with social anxiety?
Most people with social anxiety tend to adopt a “closed-off” stance; you may do this without even realizing it. Learning how to have a relaxed posture (e.g. hands at your sides, good eye contact) encourages others to respond positively to you and makes you appear more approachable.
Why do I have trouble making eye contact with people?
Why People Avoid Eye Contact. People have eye contact anxiety for various reasons. For those without a diagnosed mental health condition, avoidance of eye contact could be related to shyness or a lack of confidence.