| The purpose of this research was to conduct a cross-cultural investigation of the correlates of shyness/withdrawal in a sample of children in New Delhi, India. Nine hundred and twenty nine children from grades two, four six and eight completed self-report measures of loneliness, depressive symptoms and self-esteem. Teachers evaluated students on academic performance and social behaviours. Children also completed sociometric and behavioural nominations. Consistent with North American results, it was found that extremely shy/withdrawn had higher scores of loneliness, depressive symptoms, teacher ratings of anxiety and a greater likelihood of peer rejection, as compared to their average counterparts. Unlike some North American results, shyness/withdrawal was not found to be associated with academic difficulties. Consistent with North American and Eastern results from China, extremely aggressive children were found to be at a greater risk for peer rejection, suffered from greater academic difficulties and were rated by teachers as exhibiting greater acting out behaviours as compared to their average counterparts. The results are discussed within the context of the Indian culture. |
