Blushing and social phobia: A neuroethological speculation

Blushing is a well-known but relatively poorly understood phenomenon. This paper reviews the phenomenology, neurobiology, and psychology of blushing. We argue that a neuroethological understanding of blushing provides a useful explanation of many aspects of normal blushing, and leads to a useful account of social phobia. More specifically, we argue that social phobia can be conceptualized in terms of an inappropriate appeasement display.