Effectiveness of multimodal therapy on public speaking anxiety social anxiety and low self-esteem

Introduction

According to evolutionary psychology, in the modem age, human beings feel a compulsive

need to be appreciated and valued. They seek constant approval from the people around

them to ensure parental investment, to attract desirable partners, for successful social

engagements and to maintain supportive relationships in general. Modem humans are heavily

dependent on social support especially during stressful times. Avoiding social interactions or

hesitating to be an active part of various social groups takes a toll on people /s self-esteem and

affects them negatively. It hampers their sense of belo nging .

History is replete with examples of how fear of performing in social situations affects human

beings. The emotional response to a real or perceived threat is known as ’ fear’ whereas the

anticipation ofa future threat is known as ’ anxiety’ . Public speaking is considered one of the

most prevalent form of anxiety. It is counted as a social phobia with great social signi ficance.

Modem life involves ample such situations where we are required to speak in pub li c, be it our

personal or professional lives. It has been established that mild anxiety generated by

communicating in front of a number of individuals collectively is both normal and captivating till

the individual has complete mastery over the activity of speaking front of people. The career

choices and avenues get limited for those young adults who fear public speaking which

often results in a considerable amount of distress, frustration and depression. Similar

effects have been witnessed in those with low esteem. ft is inevitable for one’s self

esteem to waver through life. It is directly linked to one’s potential to achieve what they

desire. A consensus about how self-esteem develops across the lifespan is finally emerging after

years of constant debates.

1.2 Anxiety

Anxiety influences our entire being. It influences how we feel, how we carry on and has genuine

physical side effects. Anxiety is frequently activated by worry in our lives (Bettina, 2012).

There is diversity and presence of anxiety disorders in our society that can have a damaging

effect on people’s lives. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, (5th ed.; DSM-5)

defined the variation of anxiety disorders like agoraphobia, panic disorders, specific and social

phobia.

In Latin Anxiety means ’anxietas’, from anxius (＂anxious, solicitous, dis tressed, and

troubled＂). Anxiety produces apprehension, worry, uneasiness, and dread. Anxiety at optimum

level helps people to deliver or cope with challenging situations and enhances the

performance, thus also called as ’functional anxiety’. However, when anxiety exceeds the

optimum level and hampers daily activity, then it is classified under anxiety disorders,