Publication date: March 2020
Source: Journal of Anxiety Disorders, Volume 70
Author(s): Jasmin Čolić, Tyler R. Bassett, Anna Latysheva, Christian Imboden, Klaus Bader, Martin Hatzinger, Thorsten Mikoteit, Roselind Lieb, Andrew T. Gloster, Jürgen Hoyer
Abstract
Objective
The study explored the duration and frequency of depersonalization (DP) and derealization (DR) in embarrassing social interactions in the everyday life of individuals with social phobia (SP), major depressive disorder (MDD) and controls.
Methods
Experience sampling was used (seven days, five surveys per day). A total of N = 165 patients (n = 47 SP, n = 118 MDD) and n = 119 controls were included. DP/DR were assessed whenever an interaction has been indicated as embarrassing.
Results
Individuals with SP and MDD experienced more embarrassing social interactions than controls and, accordingly, more DP/DR. The frequency of DP in embarrassing social interactions was, compared to controls, only significantly higher in MDD (no difference between SP and MDD). Regarding DR, there were no between-group differences. The groups also did not differ regarding duration of DP/DR.
Conclusions
The study is the first to demonstrate in an ecologically valid manner that DP/DR regularly occur in relation to feelings of embarrassment in controls and in individuals suffering from SP or MDD. DP and DR might be responses to strong emotions, like embarrassment, or might be attempts at coping. The higher emergence of embarrassment itself might be viewed as an indicator of maladaptation. Treatment interventions correcting for these misinterpretations might reduce DP/DR.