Shyness: Subtypes, Psychosocial Correlates, and Treatment Interventions

Abstract

Decadesof research on the study of introversion and extraversion have allowedresearchers to distinguish among individual differences on each of thesedimensions. Research indicates that shyness, a rather common personality trait,is a construct that is related, but not identical, to introversion. Onceregarded as a unitary construct, modern day personality theorists propose thatshyness is based on a number of orthogonal dimensions. Empirical evidencesuggests that distinct subtypes of shyness develop as a result of differencesin social approach and social avoidance behaviors. Temperamental shyness is arisk factor for behavioral and affective problems, as well as more severepsychological problems. This article focuses on the phenomenon of shyness by reviewingits subtypes, psychosocial correlates, and efficacious treatment interventions.