Differences between fearful and self-conscious shy subtypes in background and current adjustment

Abstract

Based on A. Buss' (1985, in W. A. Jones, J. M. Cheek, & S. R. Briggs (Eds.), Shyness: Perspective on research and treatment (pp. 39–46). New York: Plenum) theory of shyness, participants were classifield into fearful, self-conscious, and nonshy groups forming a 3 (group) × 2 (gender) design. The study was designed to examine shyness group differences in developmental history and current competence on tasks relevant to interpersonal and school adjustment to test assumptions of Buss' model. For past history, there was a significant difference between fearful and self-conscious shys in age of onset of shyness. Previously shy subjects did not differ from fearful and self-conscious shys in feelings of acute self-consciousness in junior high school, but reported significantly less self-consciousness in college. Fearful in contrast to self-conscious shys reported a greater degree of somatic anxiety, and fearful shy men reported significantly greater behavioral inhibition than did all other groups. Results for shyness differences in competence showed that, compared to nonshys, both shy groups reported less satisfaction with their physical appearance. Fearful shys were less knowledgeable about effective social skills, and both shy groups reported less consideration and less exploration of occupations requiring interpersonal contact. The findings are discussed with respect to theoretical implications for Buss' model of shyness and for their clinical implications.