How does cognitive rehearsal help individuals with social anxiety?

Cognitive rehearsal is a technique where individuals mentally practice social interactions before they occur. By envisioning various scenarios and responses, individuals with social anxiety can prepare themselves for real-life social situations. This mental practice helps to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of familiarity with the interactions they may face.

When individuals engage in cognitive rehearsal, they can develop strategies for handling social situations more effectively and feel more in control when it is time to interact with others. This heightened preparation enables them to approach social engagements with a greater sense of readiness and less fear, ultimately making social experiences more manageable and less daunting.

The other options, while they touch on different aspects of social anxiety, do not convey the constructive role that cognitive rehearsal plays. Distraction and avoidance, as mentioned in some choices, may offer short-term relief from anxiety but do not address the underlying issues or promote positive social engagement.