A client adjusted to a colostomy feels an extreme fear of public speaking and declines a support group invitation. Which is a manifestation of social phobia?

The correct answer reflects how social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, specifically manifests in situations that involve performance or scrutiny by others. In this context, performing badly on stage represents a relatable fear associated with the potential judgment and evaluation of others, which is central to social phobia.

Individuals with social phobia often experience intense fear or anxiety in social situations, anticipating embarrassment or negative evaluation. The act of speaking in public, similar to performing on stage, can trigger overwhelming anxiety due to the fear of making mistakes and being scrutinized by an audience. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as declining invitations to participate in social or support groups.

The other options present different types of fears or anxieties. Being afraid of strangers can indicate a generalized trait of social discomfort but does not pinpoint performance anxiety. Excessive anxiety when riding in an elevator may suggest specific phobia or agoraphobia rather than social phobia. Looking awkward while eating in public is indeed a concern for someone with social anxiety, but it is part of a broader spectrum that encompasses performance situations, making the connection to public speaking more precise in defining social phobia. Thus, the focus on the fear of performing badly underscores the specific characteristics of social phobia.