Children with selective mutism appear frozen and inactive due to behavioral inhibition. 

In social situations which may be unfamiliar or lead to increased emotional arousal , the individual’s sympathetic nervous system may take inhibitory control over behavior and ability to speak. This may lead to that individual exhibiting characteristics of Selective Mutism. 

(Reference: Wong)

New York University

In this theory, Selective Mutism is portrayed as an unconscious, language-based form of behavioral inhibition or as a defense mechanism. This perspective is significant because it frames selective mutism as a symptom of anxiety, rather than consciously manipulative behavior. (Reference: Wong)

Behavioral Theory of Selective Mutism 

Wong, Priscilla. “Selective Mutism: A Review of Etiology, Comorbidities, and Treatment.” Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township)), vol. 7, no. 3, Mar. 2010, pp. 23–31, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861522/. Accessed 2 June 2023.



Wong, Priscilla. “Selective Mutism: A Review of Etiology, Comorbidities, and Treatment.”

Behavioral psychologists argue that mutism is a child's adaptive response rather than pathological. 

A child who has an innately shy and hesitating temperament may be more prone to developing an anxiety disorder — this follows the route of how one’s biological basis influence oneself.  However, the relational, environmental, and situational experiences of that child will also influence likeliness and course of development of said child’s anxiety disorder. 

(Reference: Anstendig)

Selective Mutism may be ADAPTIVE rather than PATHOLOGICAL

Observed Behavior of Children with SM in social sitations

To conclude, the paralleling biological and social similarities of the characteristics of Selective Mutism and anxiety disorders may indicate a strong relationship between their etiologies. 

Those who develop SM and those who develop an anxiety disorder(s) demonstrate similar behavioral characteristics in similar environmental conditions/situations. 

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