How to get rid of fear of talking to strangers

Psychologists from the University of Sussex have proposed an effective way to get rid of fear of talking to strangers. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

The study involved 286 volunteers. Respondents had to perform 29 tasks in a specially designed game for five days - in each participant was offered to find a player corresponding to the description given in the application. Volunteers were thus forced to converse with strangers. They also had to take a survey before and after the game.

The results showed that with each day, participants felt less awkward, more confident, and expected less rejection in conversation from strangers. These results persisted for at least a week after the study ended.

"A growing number of scientists are sounding the alarm about increased levels of loneliness, subsequent severe health consequences. Repeated experiences with strangers may reduce people's fears of interacting with others and make them more confident," the researchers said.

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