One of the common disorders found among children is shyness. Shyness may seem like a normal or common problem faced by most children, but the disorder sometimes tends to interfere with the social development and growth of children and can prove to be a hindrance in the child’s learning process.
The feeling of shyness is found universally among children and is a blend of feelings involving fear, anxiety, apprehension, and the desire to stay aloof. Shyness can be easily recognized by certain characteristic behavioral patterns such as a reserved attitude and a downward gaze. Izard and Hyson (1986), state that some younger children may display shyness by sucking their thumb, and alternate behaviors of smiling and pulling away.
There is no particular age at which the children may develop shyness. It may onset from infancy due to the fear of strangers or at the age of four and five years. According to Buss (1986), the onset of adolescence may sometimes be accompanied by self-consciousness, which may result in shyness.
There may be certain social situations, which may trigger shyness among children and adolescents. According to Zimbardo and Radl (1981), shyness among children is an increasing problem due to the mounting pressures of school and academics upon children as well as the swiftly transforming social milieu, with which children are expected to cope up. It has been proved by certain researchers that shyness may be due to inherent hereditary factors and the major cause of shyness among children and youth could be due to their inherent temperamental traits (Daniels and Plomin, 1985).
Although shyness may seem to be normal, it may result in a lack of confidence and low-esteem among the children who suffer from the disorder, besides lacking in social skills (Sarafinio, 1986).
Shyness is a disorder among children but is relatively easier to deal with than other disorders. There are several strategies and interventions which can help children overcome their shyness. Parents must know that their child is shy and accept the child as he/she is. This will show the child that he/she is respected and greatly help in enabling the child to gain self-confidence. Since shy children may no have positive self-images, they tend to feel rejected and dejected. Praise from parents and seniors such as teachers plays a great role in enabling children to overcome their shyness and build their self-confidence (Sarafino, 1986). Hoing (1987) states the importance of reinforcement of “social skill words” such as “can I play too?” in helping the children overcome their shyness and lack of self-esteem. Furman, Rahe, and Hartup (1979) state the importance of play among young children as an opportunity to become more assertive. It must at all times be kept in mind by the parents and seniors that pushing the child into unwarranted or dangerous situations will not prove helpful in overcoming their shyness. Rather, the children must be provided with secure situations and materials which will facilitate their interest and help in overcoming fear and apprehension (Hoing, 1987).
In conclusion, it must be understood fully well by the parents, family, and the higher authorities, that shyness is not a bad trait or quality among children; it is a disorder that can be overcome if the right strategies and interventions are made, at the right time. Shyness may also result in certain positive qualities such as modesty and reserve (Jones, Cheek & Briggs, 1986) and as long as a child does not display abnormal behavior, shyness can be easily treated with little intervention.
Reference
Buss A., 1986. “A Theory of Shyness.” In SHYNESS: PERSPECTIVES ON RESEARCH AND TREATMENT, edited by Warren Jones, Jonathan Cheek, and Stephen Briggs. New York: Plenum Press.
Daniels D. and Plomin R., 1985. “Origins of Individual Differences in Infant Shyness.” DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 21.
Furman W., Rahe D., Hartup W., 1979. “Rehabilitation of Socially Withdrawn Preschool Children Through Mixed-Age and Same-Age Socialization.” CHILD DEVELOPMENT 50.
Honig A., 1987. “The Shy Child.” YOUNG CHILDREN 42.
Izard C. and Hyson M., 1986. “Shyness As a Discrete Emotion.” In SHYNESS: PERSPECTIVES ON RESEARCH AND TREATMENT, edited by Warren Jones, Jonathan Cheek, and Stephen Briggs. New York: Plenum Press.
Jones W., Cheek J., and Briggs S., 1986. SHYNESS: PERSPECTIVES ON RESEARCH AND TREATMENT. New York: Plenum Press.
Sarafino E. P., 1986. THE FEARS OF CHILDHOOD. New York: Human Science Press, Inc.
Zimbardo, Philip G. and Radl S.L., 1981. THE SHY CHILD: A PARENT’S GUIDE TO PREVENTING AND OVERCOMING SHYNESS FROM INFANCY TO ADULTHOOD. New York: McGraw-Hill.