Shyness

Carducci’s experience in leading shyness workshops results in practical suggestions to help teens understand the shyness trait and work toward becoming what he terms 'successfully shy.'. . . Librarians may want to single out the section 'On Becoming a Successfully Shy Teen' for those intimidated by the book’s length or more interested in specific suggestions. . . .The authors briefly but firmly distinguish shyness from introversion, but even introverts can benefit from the techniques for enhancing social skills. * VOYA *
Almost everyone has felt shy at one point or another, and, according to Carducci and Kaiser, many people feel that way routinely. Released in a series directed at teens, this book aims to help motivated shy teens understand, cope with, and take action regarding their shyness. Carducci has written several books intended to help people overcome the social, emotional, and behavioral consequences of this common but anxiety-provoking trait. The goal of the present title is to help teens become, in Carducci’s words, ‘successfully shy.’ The authors present the 13 chapters in three sections: ‘Knowing Shy Teens,’ ‘What It Feels Like to Be Shy,’ and ‘Becoming a Successfully Shy Teen.’ The book’s strengths are fourfold: the writing is accessible; browsing is encouraged—reading from start to finish is unnecessary; the authors do a good job of presenting teen perspectives, modeling various responses and strategies for coping with situations that trigger shyness; in presenting psychological research on shyness, the authors have an appropriate, light touch. The audience for this book is teens and young adults. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates; general readers. * CHOICE *
Overall, the book provides a compassionate and accessible integration of theoretically and empirically informed approaches to managing shyness. The book appears to be designed for typically developing teens ... [T]he information and skills provided are widely applicable. Readers may become more self-aware and empowered to ‘take control of shyness’ by building on their strengths and interests. Although the book provides a healthy dose of encouragement to shy teens, it balances this appropriately with realistic expectations. The text is enhanced with pictures, self-assessment inventories, reflective questions, structured exercises, and personal accounts of shyness. We like the structure the author provides for skills like small talk, problem-solving, and expanding one’s comfort zone. For shy teenagers, and for individuals with developmental disorders in particular, breaking down complex interpersonal situations into steps can be invaluable.... This book is an important resource for shy teenagers and their caregivers. It may also be helpful for clinicians working with shy teens. The content will help youth gain self-awareness, hope, and skills to take proactive steps toward their social goals. * Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders *