Shyness: Difference between revisions

Shyness and sensitivity has been found in a study to be a highly desired trait among Shanghai schoolchildren.(Chen, Rubin and Sun 1992)<ref>https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-8624.1992.tb01698.x</ref> "Shy" and "senstive" children were found to be the most sought-out as friends (aka not ostracized).  In contrast, the researchers found the opposite in a Canadian setting, with the non-shy being the most sought-after as friends. This is similar to a general stereotype that being shy can be a social asset outside certain Western countries, suggesting aversion to shyness is a cultural, rather than a biological trait.   

Shyness is also promoted as valuabe by adults.  Shy, reticent, and quiet children are called "guai" in Mandarin, which means "good" or "wellbehaved."  Also, children who are sensitive and reticent are said to be "dongshi" (understanding) in China, which is a commonly  used term for praising a child there.  In contrast, in the United States, shyness is usually viewed as deviant and immature (Cheek & Buss, 1981; Rubin & Asendorpf, in press).<ref>https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1982-07755-001</ref>