Abstract
Speculation continues regarding the accurate classification of selective mutism and potential etiologic factors. Current research
has shed some light on several factors that may predispose some children to this disorder, but conclusions are difficult to
draw due to reliance on subjective measures, few comparison groups, and/or limited theoretical grounding. This article provides
an update on recent efforts to elucidate the etiologic pathways of selective mutism and on the current debate regarding its
strong overlap with anxiety disorders, most notably social phobia. An additional attempt is made to examine findings based
on a developmental perspective that accounts for multiple pathways, context, and the developmental stage of the child. Emotion
regulation theory is offered as a potential factor in why some children may be more vulnerable to the etiologic factors described.
Suggestions for future research are offered based on this integration of information.
has shed some light on several factors that may predispose some children to this disorder, but conclusions are difficult to
draw due to reliance on subjective measures, few comparison groups, and/or limited theoretical grounding. This article provides
an update on recent efforts to elucidate the etiologic pathways of selective mutism and on the current debate regarding its
strong overlap with anxiety disorders, most notably social phobia. An additional attempt is made to examine findings based
on a developmental perspective that accounts for multiple pathways, context, and the developmental stage of the child. Emotion
regulation theory is offered as a potential factor in why some children may be more vulnerable to the etiologic factors described.
Suggestions for future research are offered based on this integration of information.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 251-257
- DOI 10.1007/s11920-011-0201-7
- Authors
- Samantha Scott, Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
- Deborah C. Beidel, Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
- Journal Current Psychiatry Reports
- Online ISSN 1535-1645
- Print ISSN 1523-3812
- Journal Volume Volume 13
- Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 4 / August, 2011