Developmental programming of shyness: A longitudinal, prospective study across four decades

The Development of Shyness from Late Childhood to Adolescence: A Longitudinal Study of Mexican-origin Youth

Shyness, the tendency to be inhibited and uncomfortable in novel social situations, is a consequential personality trait, especially during adolescence. The present study examined the development of shyness from late childhood (age 10) through adolescence (age 16) using data from a large, longitudinal study of Mexican-origin youth (N = 674). Using both self- and mother-reports of shyness assessed via the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire-Revised, we found moderate to high rank-order stabilities across two-year intervals and a mean-level decrease in shyness from age 10 to 16. Anxiety and depression were associated with higher initial levels of shyness, and anxiety was associated with greater decreases in shyness from age 10 to 16. Contrary to predictions, neither nativity (country of birth) nor language proficiency (English, Spanish) was associated with the development of shyness across adolescence. Thus, youth generally decline in shyness during adolescence, although there is substantial individual variability in shyness trajectories.

Temperament is Linked to Avoidant Responses to Stuttering Anticipation

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to examine the degree to which certain temperament constructs predict individual differences in three types of behavioral responses to anticipation among children and adults who stutter (CWS and AWS, respectively): avoidance, physical change, and approach.

METHODS

Participants included 64 CWS (9- to 17-years-old) and 54 AWS (18- to 50-years-old) who completed an online survey package including a temperament questionnaire (Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire-Revised for the CWS; Adult Temperament Questionnaire for the AWS) and the Stuttering Anticipation Scale. The data were analyzed separately for CWS and AWS using multivariate multiple regressions to assess how each temperament construct predicted avoidance, physical change, and approach responses to anticipation.

RESULTS

CWS who reported higher levels of shyness were more likely to engage in avoidant behavioral responses when they anticipate an upcoming moment of stuttering. AWS who reported higher levels of orienting sensitivity were more likely to engage in avoidant behavioral responses when they anticipate an upcoming moment of stuttering. No temperament constructs predicted physical change or approach responses to anticipation among either age group.

CONCLUSION

Specific aspects of temperament appear to be linked to the degree that CWS and AWS engage in avoidant behavioral responses to stuttering anticipation. These findings support the continued study of how individual differences impact the internal experience and outward manifestation of stuttering behaviors.

Does Shyness Influence the Self-Perception of Vocal Symptoms, Public Speaking, and Daily Communication?

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to characterize and to verify the relationship between shyness and self-assessment of vocal symptoms, public speaking, and aspects of daily communication.

METHODS

This is an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study. Two hundred and sixty-four male and female participants, with a mean age of 21 years and without any vocal disorder. To measure the outcomes, the participants' scores were measured using the following self-assessment instruments: Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale, Voice Symptom Scale, Self-Statements during Public Speaking Scale, and the Daily Communication Self-evaluation Questionnaire. A descriptive and inferential analysis of the data was performed.

RESULTS

Shy persons had higher vocal symptomatology scores in the limitation, emotional, and total domain. Furthermore, they scored higher on the negative aspects of public speaking and lower on its positive aspects. In addition, they showed weaker loudness and higher pitch in daily communication, compared with nonshy persons. Statistically significant correlations were found between positive shyness scores and all domains of vocal symptoms, negative aspects of public speaking, and pitch in daily communication. However, negative correlation was found between the positive aspects of public speaking and loudness in daily communication.

CONCLUSION

Shy persons have a higher self-evaluation with regard to the negative and less positive aspects of public speaking and most vocal symptoms, as well as weaker loudness and higher pitch in daily communication when compared to nonshy persons. The greater the perception of shyness, the greater the self-assessment with regard to daily communication and vocal symptoms and the negative aspects of public speaking.