A. Sanson et al., SHYNESS RATINGS - STABILITY AND CORRELATES IN EARLY-CHILDHOOD, International journal of behavioral development, 19(4), 1996, pp. 705-724
This study explores the stability and correlates of shyness from infan
cy to 6 years of age using five sets of data from a large representati
ve sample. Included in each set are maternal ratings on a temperament
dimension named Approach which assesses reactions to new people and si
tuations, and is the measure of shyness employed here. Two issues are
examined: (1) the stability of shyness as revealed by log-linear analy
ses, in comparison to other temperamental attributes, and when compari
ng extreme groups to those with moderate scores; (2) the correlates of
shyness in infancy and at 5-6 years. The results suggest that the sta
bility of shyness from 1-2 years onwards is moderate, and similar in l
evel and patterning to other temperamental attributes. Comparisons of
four subgroups differing on shyness indicate differences on other temp
eramental and behavioural characteristics; shyness was related to gene
ral ''difficultness'' in infancy, but at 5-6 years was associated with
the presence of internalising problems and the absence of externalisi
ng problems.