Longitudinal Pathways From Shyness in Early Childhood to Personality in Adolescence: Do Peers Matter?

Silje Baardstu, Robert J. Coplan, Evalill Karevold, O.M. Laceulle, Tilmann von Soest

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Temperamental shyness in childhood is theorized to be an important contributor for adolescent personality. However, empirical evidence for such pathways is scarce. Using longitudinal data (N = 939 children, 51% boys) across 17 years,
the aim of this study was to examine how shyness development throughout childhood predicted personality traits in adolescence, and the role of peers in these associations. Results from piecewise latent growth curve modeling showed
early shyness levels to predict lower emotional stability and openness in adolescence, whereas early shyness levels and growth across childhood predicted lower extraversion. Peer problems in early adolescence accounted for these associations. This study is the first to demonstrate the role of childhood shyness and peer relations for adolescents’ personality development.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)362-379
JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence
Volume30
Issue numberS2
Early online date2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

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