Selective mutism and Taijin kyofusho

Taijin Kyofusho is a "culturally distinctive phobia in Japan." (DSM-IV) It resembles social phobia or anthrophobia.

I guess many Japanese children with selective mutism are comorbid with Taijin Kyofusho. According to the literature in the West, most children with selective mutism have social phobia. In addition, I've seen former mutism sufferers who seem to have Taijin Kyofusho on the Internet.

But as far as I know, few Japanese researchers point out the relationship between selective mutism and Taijin Kyofusho.

Unlike researchers in the West, Japanese researchers aren't interested in the relationship between selective mutism and anxiety disorder very much. Some Japanese researchers cite the literature in the West and argue most children with selective mutism have anxiety disorder or selective mutism is an anxiety disorder. But as far as I know, none of them research on them by themselves.

Index of SM in Japan

Mazakon

Mazakon is a Japanese slang originated from a psychological term Mather Complex. Generally infant boys have an attachment to their mothers. But when they arrive at puberty but had an attachment to their mothers yet, they' are viewed as Mazakon with disdain. Most Japanese girls and young women hate Mazakon males.

When boys arrive at puberty, they avoid their mothers. They don't want their mothers to meddle in their affairs. They are at a rebellious age. In addition, if they have close relationships with their mothers, they may be viewed as Mazakon and be disliked by girls. And they may be teased by boys.

As a boy, I also disliked my mother interfering in my affairs when I was in poverty. When she did so, my self-esteem was badly damaged. And I was anxious about my future because I thought my mother's intervention might hinder my independence.

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I don't mean to say Japanese adolescent boys with selective mutism receiving some support from their mothers are Mazakon. But generally they don't want their mothers to interfere with them.

I think they also need some supports from their parents. Children with selective mutism can't encourage people to get proper support by themselves. I suppose they also realize they need supports from their parents although they may resist it.

If possible, it's preferable to lend a helping hand to boys while give attention to their sense of independence. But it's not easy.

If early intervention is made and they overcome selective mutism early in life, mothers don't have to worry about such a thing.

Index of SM in Japan