A Psychological Study on Gender Differences in Adolescent’s Shyness

Abstract

Shyness is defined as discomfort and inhibition in social settings (Cheeks and Buss, 1981). Adolescence is a critical period in the development of emotional and social skills. Adolescents frequently experience significant levels of social anxiety and self-consciousness, two main components of shyness (Rubin et al. 2009). The primary goal of this study is to identify gender variations in shyness among youths aged 13 to 18. The primary goal of this study is to determine the size of these disparities and their impact on teenage shyness. Data were collected from 200 youths aged 13 to 18, representing a varied range of socioeconomic origins. Shyness levels were measured using standardized psychometric measures, and trends and gender differences were identified using independent t-tests. The findings revealed substantial gender differences, with females having a higher level of social shyness (48.5 vs. 41.2), but males had a larger level of situational shyness (42.3 vs. 35.7). Several factors, including self-perception, peer interactions, and societal expectations, were discovered to influence these disparities. This study underscores the importance of raising knowledge about the cultural and societal variables that contribute to adolescent shyness, as well as the necessity for gender-specific activities to assist adolescents in overcoming shyness and developing social confidence. Future research should investigate how digital media play its role in shaping these behaviors.