Psychology Press Social Withdrawal, inhibition, and Shyness in Childhood

Psychologists of varying theoretical persuasions have long held that social experiences are critical to normal developmental trajectories and that the lack of such experiences is worthy of compensatory attention. Surprisingly, however, little empirical attention has been directed to the study of the psychological significance of social solitude for children. In an effort to shed new light on the meanings and developmental course of social solitude in childhood, a group of esteemed scholars from Europe and North America was invited to share and exchange information. An international audience of researchers actively involved in the study of social withdrawal and social inhibition or shyness in childhood was led in discussion by the scholars whose chapters are published in this volume. The editors hope that this offering stimulates continuing efforts to better understand the developmental meanings, causes, and courses of this childhood social dysfunction. Review "This book is the first of its kind and, in many respects, a major force in defining an emergent area of inquiry within the field of child psychology....Rubin and Asendorpf have assembled a volume that receives high marks for scholarship. They do an excellent job of introducing the book's major aims and organizing the theoretical and empirical contributions. The result is a book that not only covers a great deal of new territory but also succeeds at consolidating a seemingly diverse array of research programs and agendas....it is a book that offers authoritative perspectives and comprehensive coverage of an important domain."—Contemporary Psychology