Critical Thinking - Shyness

What is shyness? Shyness is considered to be a social anxiety not a phobia or a disorder. Most research shows that it is a social anxiety and it is a "common occurrence around the world with about 40% to 50% of the world's population meeting the criteria for Shyness" (Miranda, 2004). Most shy people are not considered to be sick or to have anxiety disorder. Shyness is a regular experience that is linked to a specific situation.

Shyness usually starts during childhood were some are born shy or are just very sensitive, but most out grow shyness. Some people have developed what is called learned shyness which is brought on by some type of experience that happened 'at school or home" (Bushnell, LCSW & Dowshen, MD, Oct.2004), other reasons could be "poor self-esteem or depression" (What is the Cause of Shyness, 2005). Shyness can range from mild to chronic. " Mild shyness is what almost everyone experiences at some point in there life which is no more that feeling self-conscious in a social situation, moderate shyness is when a person is hesitant to approach other people or enter social settings they can not hide from others with out being noticed, chronic shyness is a fear of negative evaluations accompanied by emotional distress that interferes with participation in desired activities and with the purist of personal or professional goals" (Zimbardo & Ph, D, 2000) . Zimbardo cam up with three subgroups to shyness his classification are," individuals who did not seek social interaction and preferred to be alone; individuals who were reluctant to approach others, were socially unskilled and had low self-confidence, individuals who were concerned about violation social rules and other's expectations (Zimbardo & Ph, D, 2000) . Those that have chronic shyness are headed towards something more serious such as a phobia or a more sever anxiety that will require talking to a professional or maybe even having to be put on medications, they are even at "risk for depression, substance abuse and suicide" (Langone, 2001, p. F.8).

Though there is no cure for shyness, it can be modified to help people overcome their shyness, whether it is with a Mental Health professional, a caring support group, or you nurturing yourself with positive affirmations repeated daily. What ever method is