This theory of Selective Mutism, proposed by Black and Uhde, views the phenomenon of Selective Mutism through the lens of social phobia.

Their proposed theory is as follows: Selective Mutism is a variant of social phobia, characterized by excessive social anxiety; under this model, Selective Mutism is seen as the severe end of the spectrum for childhood speech inhibition and social anxiety.

Black & Uhde's argument is based upon their collected data which shows higher instances of Selective Mutism in families with a family history of Social Anxiety.

(To learn more about Black & Uhde's theory, or to view the study containing their data, please move to the relation node titled 'Black & Uhde's Evidence Supporting Social Theory & Social Anxiety of Selective Mutism')

(While some researchers support this theory, there has been another study which challenges the notion that Selective Mutism is a variant and can be explained by social anxiety and social phobia. To learn more about this, please move to the relation node titled 'Evidence Challenging Black & Uhde's Social Theory & Social Anxiety of Selective Mutism')