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The Power of Peers:
The Role of Peer Support in Shyness and Flourishing in Late Adolescence
Shyness
Shyness can be characterized by anxiousness and discomfort in response to social situations.
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Research shows that nearly 50% of adolescents identify themselves as being shy.
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Shyness is linked to various problem areas in adolescence and can lead to subsequent internalizing problems.
Researcher: Danielle Richard
Background: Previous research indicates that peer support is beneficial in promoting well-being. However, little is known if the same benefits exist for shy adolescents. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of peer support in relation to shyness and flourishing in late adolescence.
Method: Participants (N = 199) consisted of undergraduate students aged 18-21 (M = 19.52, SD=1.14; male = 16.6%, female = 83.4%; Canada = 68.3%, USA = 31.7%). Participants completed an online survey assessing classroom-based peer support, shyness, and flourishing.
Results: Results indicated a positive correlation between peer support and flourishing, a negative correlation between shyness and peer support, and a negative correlation between shyness and flourishing. Results also revealed that peer support did not significantly moderate the association between shyness and flourishing.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that for adolescent undergraduate students, shyness is negatively associated with flourishing, regardless of the level of classroom-based peer support.
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