Shyness is the tendency to feel awkward, worried, or tense during social encounters, especially with unfamiliar people. Severely shy people may have physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, a pounding heart or upset stomach; negative feelings about themselves; worries about how others view them; and a tendency to withdraw from social interactions.
Most people feel shy at least occasionally. Some people’s shyness is so intense, however, that it can keep them from interacting with others even when they want or need to—leading to problems in relationships and at work.
Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology
Speaking of Psychology: Philip Zimbardo on heroism, shyness and the Stanford Prison Experiment
Philip Zimbardo discusses recent criticism of his controversial 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment as well as his other work on time, shyness, men, and heroism.
Everything you ever wanted to know about shyness in an international context
A discussion on shyness and its cultural explanations.
Speaking of Psychology: Born bashful? Learning how to manage shyness
Psychologist Bernardo Carducci, PhD, gives advice and tips to shy people who want to understand and manage their reticence.
Psychologists have new insights into the causes and effects of childhood shyness.
Cuando la timidez causa sufrimiento: en niños y adultos
La elusión o la inhibición generan problemas tanto para quien sufre a causa de la timidez como para quienes lo rodean.
Painful shyness in children and adults
This brochure explains the causes and consequences of painful shyness and how loved ones can help.
