Problem:
Throughout these blogs, we have explored the clinical applications of different personality theorists to the understanding and treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. While most theorists acknowledge environmental determinants, (i.e. culture, socioeconomic status and/or family and peers) can contribute to personality development and behavior change, we have not delved deeply into the impact of any particular factor contributing to the development of Social Anxiety Disorder. For this blog we will focus on the psychological toll migration status can take on an individual and how that toll can lead to the development of Social Anxiety Disorder, particularly among adolescents.
Experiencing racial and ethnic discrimination has been found to have detrimental effects on adolescents, such as more depressive and internalizing symptoms, poor self esteem, academic difficulties and externalizing behaviors to name a few (Brenner et al., 2018). This is the developmental stage in which identity formation begins, and as Torres et al., (2022, p. 502) points out "this sensitive development period comes with new cognitive abilities and insights, including new understanding about oneself, society and one's role in the community." Therefore an adolescent's migration status can have an effect on their cognitive and emotional development, especially as they experience anti-immigration discrimination and/or racism.
A study conducted by Cole et al., (2026) found COVID-19 discrimination was associated with increased social anxiety among Burmese adolescents, which is also prevalent among Chinese immigrants and unaccompanied refugee minors who reported social anxiety causing more distress than pre-migration trauma. This same study found peer social support could act as a protective factor in reducing the chance of developing social anxiety after experiencing discrimination, as the development of social networks can "not only provide a sense of belonging, but also serve as a vital source of peer support, offering emotional solidarity, and practical assistance in the face of discrimination" (Cole et al., 2026). Through this example we can see how the interaction between anti-immigration discrimination, and adolescence can increase social anxiety at a crucial time of personality development as well as how other environmental determinants, such as peer influence can mitigate such.
Cervone and Pervin (2023, p. 15) states "many aspects of an individual's personality can only be understood by reference to the group to which that person belongs." Therefore, culture, immigration status and the potential environmental determinants one experiences in adolescence can have lasting effects on an individual's personality development. Need Assignment Help?
Respond to at least one of your colleagues' main posts and provide constructive feedback and/or share an insight into another clinical issue gained from reviewing a colleague's blog.