Diagnosing shyness in children and adolescents: a comparative analysis of different methods

Abstract

The aim of the article is to discuss the tools used for diagnosing shyness in children and adolescents. Increasingly, scholars emphasize the multidimensionality of the concept of shyness, as shy children and teenagers exhibit various specific characteristics. It is important to note that the same level of shyness in different children does not necessarily result in the same behaviour. Additionally, among the methods used for diagnosing shyness in children and adolescents, significant differences in approach can be observed, with some methods capturing certain aspects of shyness more than others. Moreover, the diversity of methods used in the diagnosis of shyness in children and adolescents also depends on their age, with some methods intended for infants and toddlers, others for preschool or school-aged children, and others for adolescents. The most commonly used diagnostic methods include self-report questionnaires or assessment questionnaires. Other methods used in the diagnosis of shyness include observation, behavioural experiments, and sociometry. While the article focuses mainly on tools used in Poland, it provides essential information about the limitations and advantages of individual methods. It is important to note that there is no single method that can fully capture the phenomenon of shyness. Therefore, combining several methods seems like a reasonable approach. The information presented in this article highlights various ways of using diagnostic tools for shyness in children and adolescents. This information should help specialists make informed decisions when selecting appropriate diagnostic methods. Additionally, the article can serve as an inspiration for further research on the diagnosis of shyness.