Based on retrospective information gathered from socially anxious adults and their mothers, researcher Ronald Rapee found a significant correlation between parental overcontrol and rejection and children's anxiety symptoms.

The Role of Parental Overcontrol and Rejection in the Etiology of Social Anxiety Disorder

Psychologists have observed a strong, positive correlation between overprotective, rejecting, and socially cold parenting behaviors and the development of social anxiety disorder, as reported by several adults with social phobia and agoraphobia who perceived such behaviors in their own parents.

University of Chicago

Social anxiety disorder can be caused by negative parenting practices such as controlling behavior, overprotection, rejection, neglect, lack of warmth or affection, anxious parenting, insensitivity, restrictiveness, social isolation, criticism, shame tactics, behavioral inflexibility, and concern with the opinions of others. A variety of mechanisms may work to promote anxiety through these constructs.

Negative Rearing Practices and Social Anxiety Disorder Development

Brook, C. A., & Schmidt, L. A. (2008, February). Social anxiety disorder: A review of environmental risk factors. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515922/ 

Social anxiety disorder: A review of environmental risk factors

Parental overcontrol can impede a child's ability to independently explore and acquire new skills, which can lead to heightened anxiety in situations where fear is perceived.

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