Shyness is very common in children, teens and adults. In fact, more than 40 percent of teens and adults in America consider themselves shy. All people feel shy at some time in their lives, but being shy most of the time can cause difficulties with day-to-day activities and relationships. This page contains resources that can overcome shyness.

PAMF Content for Your Preteen

• Assertiveness


• Shyness


• Social Anxiety

Outside Resources

• Painful Shyness: This brochure from the American Psychological Association addresses shyness in children and adults. It provides a description of symptoms and consequences, as well as resources so doctors, friends and family can help.


• Research: This Web page was created by The Shyness Institute to compile all their information and research on shyness. The site includes research regarding shyness, social anxiety, and related anxiety disorders. The site also focuses on the development of The Social Fitness Model. It includes links to many different papers.


• Social Phobia and Excessive Shyness in Teens: Akron’s Children’s Hospital’s publication on teenage shyness and social anxiety. It includes descriptions of causes and behaviors, how to stop the behavior, and copping mechanisms.

Recommended Books

• The Shy Child: A Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Overcoming Shyness from Infancy to Adulthood by Philip G. Zimbardo and Shirley L. Radl

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