What causes shyness in a young child?
The research literature suggests that a tendency toward shyness may be genetic. Research with infants conducted at Harvard University found that 15% to 20% of newborns are quiet, vigilant, and restrained in new situations (Kagan, Snidman, & Arcus, 2006). However, about 25% of these children do not grow up as shy adults, while some adults are shy who were not so as children. A child’s environment is believed to be a major factor in whether or not a child becomes a shy adult. The tendency toward shyness can be reinforced by home conditions such as inconsistent parenting, family conflict, harsh criticism, or a dominating sibling (Henderson & Zimbardo, 2008).
