Researcher: Katrina Buffington

 

Background:

Previous research indicates that shyness is negatively correlated with life satisfaction, though little is known about why shy adolescents are less satisfied with their lives. The purpose of this study was to discover whether self-esteem plays a part in the negative association between shyness and life satisfaction during adolescence.

 

Method:

Participants were 300 adolescents between the ages of 16 and 19 (M = 18.03, SD = 1.04; 72.3%female). Participants completed an online survey that measured self-reported shyness, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.

 

Results:

Results showed that the significant negative correlation between shyness and life satisfaction became non-significant when controlling for self-esteem.

​

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that shyness alone may not be a risk factor for low life satisfaction, but rather shyness and low self-esteem may operate together in creating this risk. Interventions targeting self-esteem in shy teenagers may reduce the risk of lowered life satisfaction and promote flourishing.