Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

In a social setting, a person with social anxiety disorder may experience which of the following physical symptoms?

1. Calm and steady breathing

2. Increased heart rate and sweating

3. Heightened awareness of surroundings

4. Relaxed muscle tone

The correct answer is: Increased heart rate and sweating

Individuals with social anxiety disorder often experience significant physical symptoms when faced with social situations. These symptoms arise from the body’s fight-or-flight response, which is triggered by the fear of being negatively evaluated or judged by others. Increased heart rate and sweating are typical manifestations of this response. When a person with social anxiety disorder anticipates a social interaction, their body may interpret this as a threat, activating various physiological responses. This can lead to tachycardia (an elevated heart rate), which primes the body for action, and sweating, which is a common reaction to stress. These symptoms are not just psychological; they have tangible physical effects that can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and discomfort in social settings. By contrast, calm and steady breathing, heightened awareness of surroundings, and relaxed muscle tone do not align with the typical responses of someone experiencing social anxiety. Instead, these traits are associated with a state of relaxation or calmness, which is not characteristic of the distress individuals with social anxiety typically experience in social situations.