Abstract

While existing research has posited shyness as a risk-factor for floundering in adolescence and emerging adulthood, not all shy young people may struggle to the same extent. Characteristics such as self-regulation and benevolent values may influence the extent to which individuals with high levels of shyness will have socio-emotional challenges. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to use a person-centered analysis to explore subgroups of adolescents with distinct levels of shyness, self-regulation, and benevolent values and to examine how these groups differ on outcomes in adolescence and in emerging adulthood. The sample for this paper consisted of 682 adolescents (48.9% female, 75.4% White). A latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of adolescents. Mean comparisons and regressions were then used to compare adolescent profiles on indices of flourishing and floundering. Results indicated shy adolescents with moderate levels of self-regulation and benevolent values reported higher average levels of school engagement and prosocial behavior across targets in comparison to shy adolescents with low levels of self-regulation and benevolent values in adolescence and emerging adulthood; however, there were no differences on internalizing problems. Thus, the present study suggests self-regulation and benevolent values may help individuals high on levels of shyness with social outcomes but may not be of much assistance for those challenges of an internalizing nature.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

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