Originated by: Dr Felicia Rivera Megret
Shyness is the feeling of apprehension lack of comfort or awkwardness especially when a person is around other people. This commonly occurs in new situations or with unfamiliar people. Stronger forms of shyness are usually referred to as social anxiety. The primary defining characteristic of shyness is a largely ego-driven fear of what other people will think of a person’s behaviour
This results in a person becoming scared of doing or saying what they want to out of fear of negative reactions, being laughed at, humiliated or patronised, criticism or rejection. A shy person may simply opt to avoid social situations instead.
This module looks at characteristics of shyness, how we can identify shyness in ourselves and others, how we can help overcome shyness and help others to do the same.