| This thesis investigates variables related to the occurrence of mismatches: self-reported shy children not identified as shy by their parents. In study 1, a new Children's Self-Report Shyness Scale (CSSS) and parallel parent form were developed to address measurement issues related to the occurrence of mismatches. The CSSS contains equal numbers of items reflecting self-conscious and fearful shyness and equal numbers of items reflecting observable and internal aspects of shyness. Overall, 437 children aged 9 to 13 and their primary caregiver completed the scales. Despite sound psychometric properties and a significant correlation between the scales, a mismatch rate of 38% was found. Results indicated that mismatched children's shyness was less visible in that their ratings of observable aspects of shyness were significantly lower than those of matches (self-reported shy children identified as shy by parents).;Study 3 followed up 38 parents of self-reported shy children from Study 2. Parents' ratings of their own shyness were significantly greater for parents of matches than parents of mismatches. Parents' interview comments indicated that having been shy themselves helped them to understand their children's experiences. Although differences between matches' and mismatches' ratings of family environment and communication did not reach traditional significance levels, the proportion of parents of mismatches who had not discussed shyness with their children was significantly greater than expected.;The results are discussed in terms of the importance of parent-child communication, the observability of shyness, and the manner in which parents can help children effectively cope with their shyness. Implications for future research are also discussed.;Study 2, a 12-month follow-up of 73 self-reported shy children from Study 1, examined differences between matches and mismatches in terms of child variables, including social support, self-esteem, family environment and communication, number of friends, and private self-consciousness. None of these variables differed significantly between matches and mismatches, although male mismatches reported significantly higher global self-worth than male matches. In individual interviews, children explained how they knew they were shy, with responses coded as observable (i.e., shy behaviour) or internal (i.e., shy feelings and thoughts). Overall, mismatches generated significantly fewer shy behaviours than matches. |
