Going It Alone: Comparing Subtypes of Withdrawal on Indices of Adjustment and Maladjustment in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

Scholars have distinguished conceptually between multiple forms of social withdrawal among children and adolescents, but this distinction has yet to be investigated fully during emerging adulthood. Therefore, the overarching goal of this study was to employ a person-oriented approach to examine differences between subtypes of withdrawal on indicators of internalizing issues and relationships in emerging adulthood. The sample for the current study (M age = 19.60, SD = 1.85, range = 18-29) consisted of 791 undergraduate students (548 women, 243 men). Results revealed that three distinct forms of social withdrawal (shyness, avoidance, unsociable) can be identified in emerging adulthood, with each one uniquely related to indices of maladjustment in regard to internalizing problems and relationship difficulties. In general, both shy and avoidant individuals reported more problems of an internalizing nature and in their relationships. Far fewer problems appear to exist for unsociable individuals.

Shyness and Psychological Adjustment During Adolescence: The Moderating Role of Parenting Style

“…depression, anxiety and psychosomatic complaints) and psychiatric disorders (e.g. social phobia, avoidant personality disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder) [15][16][17]. Also, shy adolescents and early adults tend to show problems in expressing one's own opinions or talking in the presence of others, in meeting people, and establishing and maintaining relationships resulting in having fewer social relationships, which are less intimate and supportive [4,18].…”

Teachers’ outlooks and assistance strategies with regard to “shy” pupils

“…It was also found that shy children who had a best friend were perceived by the peer group as friendly and popular (Rubin et al, 2006). Nevertheless, previous studies have found that the quality of their friendships was inferior to that of children who are not shy (Lund, 2008;Nelson, 2013;Nelson et al, 2008).…”

“…During the period of emerging adulthood, the individual must rely on himself and take responsibility for various tasks of daily life, both personal and professional, which require involvement in numerous social interaction. Consequently, shyness at this age presents a threat to emotional well-being (Nelson, 2013). It was found that shy people in their 20's experience high levels of depression and anxiety and perceive themselves in a (relatively) negative way; They also report a lower quality of relationships with friends and romantic partners (Nelson et al, 2008) and insecure romantic attachment beliefs (Rowsell & Coplan, 2013).…”

“…There are also data that point to depression and anxiety in emerging adulthood and to a low quality of relationships (Nelson et al, 2008). A recent study (Nelson, 2013) identifies shyness, in its various forms, as a significant risk factor for internalizing problems, and for relationship troubles during this period of life.…”

An Investigation Into Supervision Techniques to Support Shy CSD Students

“…Shy individuals, according to this model, want to interact but at the same time feel wary and anxious about interacting. Shyness first appears in early childhood, but while some children outgrow shyness, others seem to retain the feeling of shyness into young adulthood (Nelson, 2013).…”