Shyness and popularity: Children's views

Abstract

Previous research has indicated adults with certain psychological and behavioral problems have a childhood history of rejection by their peers. Research also has indicated that quiet adults are perceived less positively than their more talkative peers. The present research sought to determine whether there is an association between quietness in children and rejection of those children by their peers. This study of 1,529 children in grades 3–12 indicates a strong tendency on the part of children to reject shy or quiet peers. Programs to help children overcome the causes of quietness are recommended as a high priority for communication educators.