Shyness ratings: Stability and correlates in early childhood

This study explores the stability and correlates of shyness from infancy to 6 years of age using five sets of data from a large representative sample. Included in each set are maternal ratings on a temperament dimension named Approach which assesses reactions to new people and situations, and is the measure of shyness employed here. Two issues are examined: (1) the stability of shyness as revealed by log-linear analyses, in comparison to other temperamental attributes, and when comparing extreme groups to those with moderate scores; (2) the correlates of shyness in infancy and at 5-6 years. The results suggest that the stability of shyness from 1-2 years onwards is moderate, and similar in level and patterning to other temperamental attributes. Comparisons of four subgroups differing on shyness indicate differences on other temperamental and behavioural characteristics; shyness was related to general ''difficultness'' in infancy, but at 5-6 years was associated with the presence of internalising problems and the absence of externalising problems.