Shyness and Gender. Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, Behavioural Consequences and Strategies of Coping with Shyness by Women and Men of Different Gender Identity

Abstract

This article presents research into shyness from the perspective of gender and gender identity. The research comprised a group of 240 Polish women and men (120 women and 120 men) in the period of early adulthood (20–25 years of age). The Stanford Shyness Questionnaire (Zimbardo, 1994) and Bem Sex Role Inventory (Polish version, Kuczyńska, 1992) were used. Gender differences and differences between people of different gender identity in experiencing shyness were found, including: frequency, causes, consequences (physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioural) and strategies of coping with shyness.