1. Critique 3 psu011
Shyness has been said to be a symptom of social anxiety disorder, the individual experiences
difficulties in interaction with other people. There is an extreme procedure of social anxiety disorder
that has helped psychologists to understand how shyness can affect an individual.
Research evidence has shown that individuals who suffer shyness see it as a problem, and
would change it if they could (Zimbardo, (1977). This is a problem because they will experience
discomfort which then leads to having an effect on interpersonal goals. Psychologists want to
understand why, when and how people are more prone to such trait and if there are ways to
overcome these affinities. (Maltby, (2004)).
There are several theories, the developmental theory explains that social anxiety grows and
develops at different stages within childhood. (Kagan, (1997) explored the genetic and biological
influences. He found that shyness can be the result of chemical imbalances within the brain.These
could be the possible causes of social anxiety which results in the individual suffering shyness.
US psychologist Phillip G. Zimbardo (1999) was the first to carry out a study to identify the
incidence of shyness. He found that people saw shyness as quiet, inhibiting behaviour, Bernard
Carducci and Harkins have done study’s pre to Zimbardo and found that shyness is an uncertainty
about what to do or say. Henderson and Zimbardo (2003) have also found that a small number of
shy individuals tend to lack basic social skills, due to lack of confidence. Some basic background
studies like these should of maybe being printed on the poster, to explain that much work has been
done to identify shyness.
This poster has shown a good example of what shyness is. The main levels were used such as
cognitive, affective, physiological and Behavioural. However the poster only mentions some of the
key elements under each level. The poster should maybe mention loneliness, depression, anxiety
under the cognitive section. Also mention dry mouth, sweating, feeling faint, dizzy, sick ect under
physiological. Also mention speaking quietly, tongue tied, excessive nodding or smiling under
Behavioural. A little bit more information under the levels would give the reader a better
understanding of the symptoms of shyness.All of these four levels were presented by Henderson
and Zimbardo (1998).
Using little miss shy as an example was perfect, the poster gave good information on the
two different forms, state (situational) and trait (dispositional) shyness. The poster has shown some
symptoms and consequences of shyness and given a good example to, explain where it told us the
story of little miss shy going to the Oscars, this makes the reader understand what an individual may
experience when suffering shyness.
Overall a good poster that produces enough information on shyness although maybe describing
some possibilities and theories that can cause social anxiety would be goodbecause psychologists
have begun to take shyness seriously and also are linking it with social anxiety.

2. Critique 3 psu011
References
Henderson, L., & Zimbardo, P. (2003).Shame and Anger in chronic shyness and social Anxiety
Disorder.
Kagan,J. (1997). Temperament and the reactions to unfamiliarity. Child Development, 68 (1), 139-
145
Maltby, J., Day, L., & Barber, L. (2004). Forgiveness and mental health variables: Interpreting the
relationship using an adaptational-continuum model of personality and coping. Personality
and Individual Differences, 37(8), 1629-1641.
Zimbardo,P.G.(1999) Discontinuity theory: Cognitive and Social Searches for rationality and
normality-may lead to madness. Advances in experimental social psychology, 31,345-486
Zimbardo, P.G. (1997). Shyness. What it is, what to do about it. Reading MA:Addison-Wesley.
Zimbardo, P.G, &Radl, S. (1981) The shy child. New york: