Selective Mutism Essay

Introduction
The purpose of this analytic dissertation is to research the symptoms of, and the treatments for, Selective Mutism (SM) in children between the ages of five and ten. In order to understand the cause of this phenomenon I will investigate the biological roots, the interpersonal dynamics and the cognitive/behavioral factors which might contribute to its presence among this population. Selective Mutism is a serious disorder which affects children in different ways, displaying more severe symptoms than the typical “shy” child. Furthermore, I plan to provide insight to the psychological community on how to detect, diagnose and treat selective mutism in children.
Literature Review
I will investigate and analyze different aspects of SM

Both Freud’s and Beck’s theories are used by some professionals to treat selective mutism. Sigmund Freud (1936) saw defense mechanisms as a way in which we behave or think to protect ourselves. Individuals tend to utilize defense mechanisms to distance themselves from full awareness. Because the majority of defense mechanisms are unconscious, most of the time we are not aware that we are using them to protect ourselves from painful interactions with others or undesired situations or surrounding’s. We also utilize defensive or protective mechanisms to avoid being gripped by unpleasant affect. This is why children with SM are likely to utilize defense mechanisms for coping

Selective Mutism is identified as both a mental and behavioral disorder with ninety percent of those affected by SM displaying forms of social phobia or social anxiety. Moreover, if left untreated SM can persist into adulthood and create disruption in a person’s ability to function socially in his/her personal and professional life. Studies have reflected that SM is more prevalent in girls than in boys, with the symptoms of SM appearing as early as five, usually near the time the child enters