A study by McMaster University researchers has investigated shyness in children, focusing on its behavioral, affective, and physiological components. The research differentiates between temperamental shyness, a stable trait observed over time in some children, and state shyness, an emotional response experienced in specific situations. The study found that around 10% of children exhibited consistent behavioral, affective, and physiological reactivity to social stressors, suggesting they may be temperamentally shy. Conversely, about 25% displayed only emotional reactivity without high levels of reported temperamental shyness, indicating state shyness.
Conducted with 152 Canadian children aged 7-8 years, the study involved a speech task designed to induce stress, during which children’s avoidance behaviors, nervousness, and physiological responses were measured. The findings reinforce longstanding theories regarding the distinct categories of shyness, as proposed by Jerome Kagan, and highlight the complexity of shyness as both a stable trait and a situational emotion. Though the research provides valuable insights into children’s social and psychological contexts, it also acknowledges limitations, such as the homogeneity of the sample, potentially affecting the generalizability of the results. Future studies are recommended to include more diverse populations and examine the long-term stability of shyness components.
