Treatment and Management of Shyness in Children Essay -- Papers Person

Treatment and Management of Shyness in Children Research and studies have found that shyness in children could be due to genetic, temperamental, and environmental influences (Jaffe, 1991, p. 270, & Zimbardo 1995, p. 56). This paper aims to discuss the types of shyness, the influences on shyness, the difference between normal and problematic shyness. Lastly, strategies will be presented to help the shy child. The basic feeling of shyness is a common problem not only among children but also among adults. According to Zimbardo (1995, p.56-57) and Jaffe (1995, p. 270), shyness is a mix of emotions, including fear and interest, tension and pleasantness. A shy child may display in his/her behaviour a downward gaze, physical, and verbal reticence. That is he/she will try to avoid eye contact or withdraw slightly or totally when being touched or talked to. The speech is often soft, almost inaudible, and at times, very hesitant. Shyness is very often a mistaken and misunderstood emotion. It ought to be distinguished from two related behaviour patterns: wariness and social disengagement. It is very normal that young infants are very wary of strangers as it is a time that attachment to familiar faces of caregivers are very important during this period of growing and trusting in the surrounding physical and human environment (Gonzalez-Mena, & Widmeyer Eyer, 2001, p. 77). For older children who may prefer solitary play and appear to have low needs for social interaction, would usually not experience the emotional tensions of the genuinely shy child (Van Hoorn et al, 2003, p. 242-243, & Cohen et al, 1987, p. 80). Children ... ...docId=5000962656&offset=1. (July 12, 2004). Feldman, R.S.(2003). Essentials of Understanding Psychology. 5th ed. USA: McGraw Hill. Gonzalez-Mena, J. & Widmeyer Eyer, D. (2001). Infants, Toddlers, and Caregivers. 5th ed. USA: Mayfield Publishing Company. Hendrick, J. (1992). The Whole Child. 5th ed. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. Jaffe, M.L. (1997). Understanding Parenting. 2nd ed. USA: Allyn & Bacon. Reid, B., & Vans, S. (1989). In J. Valsiner, (Ed.). Child development in cultural context (pp.199-218). Toronto: Hogrefe Inc. Van Hoorn, J., P.M. Nourot, Scales, B., & Alward, K. R. (2003). Play at the Center of the Curriculum. 3rd ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education. Zimbardo, P.G. (1995). Shyness: What it is? What to Do about it? USA: Perseus Publishing.