Freedom from the Grips of Social Judgment During an ASD Meltdown

Date

July 5, 2024

First Layer: Fear of Negative Emotions

The first layer of the fear of social judgment is rooted in our innate worry about encountering negative emotions, as we seek to avoid the discomfort associated with perceiving negative judgments from others. Caregivers who are in the midst of supporting an individual with ASD who is having an intense public meltdown can experience a multitude of distressing emotions, including anger, fear, frustration, panic, isolation, shame, guilt, and a sense of vulnerability. These emotions can create a potent blend of discomfort, making it entirely understandable why many individuals may go to great lengths to avoid situations where they anticipate social judgment.

Second Layer: Fear of Confrontation

The second layer of fear in the context of social judgment centres on the dread of confrontation. Caregivers, in particular, often find themselves grappling with this layer of fear, as they contemplate the repercussions of a prolonged and dramatic public meltdown. There is a genuine concern that such an event could escalate into a confrontation with a distressed member of the public who, in their own state of distress, might resort to insulting, demeaning, aggressive, or even potentially violent behaviour. This added dimension of potential confrontation further intensifies the fear of experiencing negative emotions associated with such an unsettling encounter. The fear, therefore, extends beyond the mere judgment of onlookers and encompasses the very real possibility of a confrontational situation that caregivers understandably wish to avoid at all costs.

Third Layer: Fear of Reputation and Identity Denigration

The third layer of fear associated with the fear of social judgment delves into the concern of potential reputation and identity denigration. Caregivers, in particular, may grapple with the idea that their actions and abilities could be under scrutiny in a way that could tarnish their reputation. Consider a scenario where they find themselves navigating a tumultuous meltdown, characterized by intense anxiety, isolation, and frustration, leading to a prolonged and heightened confrontation with disapproving members of the public. The fear here is that this situation could lead to a lasting perception of being an ineffective or incompetent caregiver. In a society where external validation and public opinion often hold considerable sway, many people, especially in the Western world, anchor their identity to what others say about them or validate about themselves. This formula, in essence, becomes a pivotal part of defining their sense of self: "What other people say about me or validate about myself equals my identity." This fear of potential damage to one's reputation, and by extension, their identity, adds another layer of complexity to the emotional terrain caregivers navigate as they encounter the fear of social judgment.

Fourth Layer: Fear of the Amalgamation of Consequences

The fourth and final layer of fear encompasses the amalgamation of consequences stemming from the preceding three layers. It's a cascade of 'if this, then that' scenarios that form a labyrinth of apprehension in the caregiver's mind. They ponder, "If I experience all these negative emotions, then I might become less effective at assisting the individual during a meltdown. This reduced effectiveness could potentially lead to a more intense public meltdown and an increased likelihood of confrontation. Should I find myself in a confrontation where a member of the public deems me incompetent, it might translate into a belief that I am indeed inept at my job or role as a caregiver. If that's true, does it imply that I am a subpar parent or support worker? Could it mean that I'm at risk of losing my job? If I were to lose my job, would I still be able to financially support myself?" These complex chains of consequences reflect our human capacity for imaginative speculation, often extending to the far-reaching ramifications that may result from the fear of social judgment. This final layer underscores the profound and intricate nature of the caregiver's anxieties in navigating these challenging scenarios.

The fear of social judgment is a multi-layered emotion that extends far beyond the surface-level concern of what others think. These layers are intricately connected, with each one amplifying the other. What might initially appear as a basic fear of experiencing negative emotions can swiftly evolve into a complex web of anxieties, including concerns about confrontations, reputation, identity, and cascading consequences. This interwoven nature of the fear of social judgment underscores how our human apprehensions, often triggered by the opinions of others, can encompass a wide spectrum of emotions, thoughts, and potential outcomes, emphasizing the depth of this common fear.

The Solution

To conquer the fear of social judgment, we embark on a journey to explore a multitude of tools, techniques, values, and perspectives influenced by a broad spectrum of psychological and philosophical schools of thought. Through understanding, embracing and applying this diverse array of approaches, we can effectively dismantle the grip of social judgment on our lives and uncover the path to greater confidence and resilience.

Principle One: You Define your Character and Worth

The fear of social judgment often stems from a fundamental misconception: the idea that other people's thoughts about us somehow reflect the absolute truth of our character. However, it's crucial to recognize that thoughts do not equate to reality. Consider this - if we accept that other people's opinions define us, then, by that logic, those who crucified Jesus were justified in their actions. This extreme example illustrates the irrationality of allowing external opinions to define our worth and character. In truth, when others judge us, they are essentially evaluating their mental construct of who we are, which resides within their own minds. Just as we all make judgments about others, these judgments are shaped by our unique blend of emotions, thoughts, beliefs, values, and personal experiences. It's akin to understanding that a photograph reveals more about the camera than the subject it captures. While it's natural for others to judge, it's essential to remember that these judgments don't represent an unassailable truth. Your fear of feeling harmed by insults or character degradation can only persist if you grant weight to the opinions of others. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, "Choose not to be harmed—and you won't feel harmed. Don't feel harmed—and you haven't been." Ultimately, the power to define our character and worth resides within us, not in the perceptions of others.

Principle Two: Understand the Limitations of your Control

Understanding the limitations of our control is a profound realization that reshapes how we approach the fear of social judgment. It's about understanding the clear distinction between what we can influence and what remains beyond our reach. We hold power over our actions, choices, and responses, yet we cannot control how others perceive or judge us. Just as we can control a car's speed, route, and maintenance, we cannot control the weather, road conditions, or other drivers' behaviour. Similarly, in social interactions, we govern our behaviour, like kindness, respect, and empathy, while we cannot control the interpretations or reactions of others. This understanding underscores the futility of our fears in bringing about or preventing specific outcomes. It extends to our own feelings of apprehension, emphasizing that these emotions are a subjective lens through which we view the world, not an irrefutable representation of reality. Embracing this wisdom frees us from the weight of needless anxiety, offering a more empowered and balanced approach to handling social judgment.

“No amount of anxiety makes any difference to anything that is going to happen” – Alan Watts.

Principle Three: Live in Reality, not your Head

Are you living in reality or in your head? This question prompts us to consider the distinction between the present moment, which is reality, and the mental constructs of the past or future, which are merely thoughts. These thoughts hold no tangible existence in the physical world, emphasizing that much of our fear is rooted in imagined futures or memories of the past. It's important to remind ourselves that the past is behind us, and we have survived it. As for the future, the mental scenarios we create have no direct influence on what will actually transpire. However, our actions in the present moment can shape events, whether for better or worse. Regardless of what we fear happening, any event that does come to pass will do so in the present moment, and you will possess the same faculties to confront it as you do now. In essence, fear need not dominate our lives, as the tools to face challenges are ever at our disposal.

“We suffer more in imagination than we do in reality” – Seneca.

Tool/Technique One: Cognitive Reappraisal

What beliefs or rules shape your emotions and actions in social situations? We can understand this by using a cognitive behavioural therapy technique called cognitive restructuring to address the fear of social judgment or any other anxiety-inducing belief. Take an active role in this process by identifying your limiting belief, writing it down, and bringing it into your conscious awareness. For example, if you fear social judgment, you might write, "I must not be judged negatively by others." Next, consider the consequences of holding onto this belief. Write down the tangible outcomes or emotions it generates. For instance, you might find that this belief results in heightened anxiety, leading to avoidance behaviours and limiting your social interactions. Now, take a step back and become an impartial observer. From this place of rationality, critically assess the validity of the belief. Challenge yourself with questions like, "Can I control what other people think?" and "If they do judge me negatively, does that make them right?" This self-examination will reveal the unrealistic nature of the belief and help you see that judgments are a natural part of human interaction. Encourage yourself to engage in this process for all fear-inducing beliefs. Writing them down and critically assessing them can be a transformative practice to overcome fear and build a more empowered perspective on life's challenges.

Tool/Technique Two: Don't Keep Fear in the Fog

In regard to imagined situations that persistently trouble you, it's valuable to create a detailed plan for how you will address them. This plan should encompass various aspects, from how you want to think and feel during the situation to what specific actions you will take to handle it effectively. Additionally, consider how you will support yourself afterward, with strategies for decompressing and rewarding yourself for your efforts. In mapping out this comprehensive plan, you can better prepare yourself to face the challenges that induce fear, empowering you to navigate them with a more constructive mindset and a greater sense of control. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the grip of fear and enhance your capacity to manage such situations successfully.

Conclusion

Within the intricate web of human emotions, the fear of being judged by others can emerge as a formidable obstacle, clouding the prospects of experiencing joy, strengthening one's capacity to endure adversity, and nurturing emotional well-being. In peeling back the layers of this complex emotion, we have uncovered valuable insights and practical tools that empower us to transcend its grip. From redefining the source of our character and worth to recognizing the boundaries of our control and embracing the power of living in the present moment, we have laid out a path to conquer the fear of social judgment. Through applying cognitive reappraisal techniques and creating detailed action plans, we fortify ourselves against persistent fears and forge a proactive approach to navigating life's challenges. In doing so, we are not merely breaking free from the chains of social judgment but also unlocking a gateway to greater confidence and self-empowerment. The choice is ours to make, and the journey toward a brighter, more resilient future begins now.