Painful Shyness
In Children And Adults

Research shows that causes of avoidance, inhibition, distress can include:

Temperament or Biological Influences

• Withdrawn, avoidant, excessively emotionally reactive
• Highly sensitive, when lacking adequate social support
• Poor emotional "fit" with family members or some environments

Stressful Life Events

• Shaming experiences
• Major moves from one school or city to another
• Abrupt changes or disruptions in family life

Negative Family Interactions

• Frequent parental criticism and shaming to enforce behavioral compliance, high parental control with little expressed warmth
• Chaotic family interactions or neglect

Stressful Work or School Environments

• Highly competitive, critical, or hostile
environments
• Public embarrassment for poor performance
• Dominance behaviors rewarded, and bullying or teasing ignored or encouraged

Next page: How Loved Ones Can Help

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