Effects of shyness and friendship on socioemotional adjustment during the college transition

This study identified (a) friendship changes during the first year of college, and how this change is affected by shyness, and (b) how shyness and friendship individually and in combination affect socioemotional well‐being. In Fall and Spring, first‐year college students reported on shyness, friends...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Personal relationships 2019-09, Vol.26 (3), p.386-405
Main Authors: Shell, Madelynn D., Absher, Tiffany N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
college transition
friendship
internalizing symptoms
loneliness
Quality
shyness
Students
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Summary:This study identified (a) friendship changes during the first year of college, and how this change is affected by shyness, and (b) how shyness and friendship individually and in combination affect socioemotional well‐being. In Fall and Spring, first‐year college students reported on shyness, friendship quality and stability, internalizing symptoms, loneliness, and life satisfaction. There was substantial stability in friendships, particularly among shy students. A Person × Interpersonal Environment Interaction predicted socioemotional well‐being. Shy students with high‐quality versus low‐quality friendships reported lower internalizing symptoms. Although shyness was associated with increased loneliness and decreased life satisfaction, high‐quality friendships showed modest evidence of moderating these relationships. Many students maintained precollege friendships, but high‐quality friendships were particularly beneficial for shy students.
ISSN:1350-4126
1475-6811
DOI:10.1111/pere.12285