An analysis of post-event processing in social anxiety disorder

Clin Psychol Rev. 2008 Jul;28(6):891-903. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2008.01.002. Epub 2008 Jan 26.

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that self-focused thoughts and negative affect have a reciprocal relationship [Mor, N., Winquist, J. (2002). Self-focused attention and negative affect: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 128, 638-662]. In the anxiety disorder literature, post-event processing has emerged as a specific construction of repetitive self-focused thoughts that pertain to social anxiety disorder. Post-event processing can be defined as an individual's repeated consideration and potential reconstruction of his performance following a social situation. Post-event processing can also occur when an individual anticipates a social or performance event and begins to brood about other, past social experiences. The present review examined the post-event processing literature in an attempt to organize and highlight the significant results. The methodologies employed to study post-event processing have included self-report measures, daily diaries, social or performance situations created in the laboratory, and experimental manipulations of post-event processing or anticipation of an upcoming event. Directions for future research on post-event processing are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Mental Processes*
  • Mental Recall
  • Self Disclosure
  • Self Psychology*
  • Self-Assessment
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Perception
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*