Shyness and its relationship to body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and thin-ideal internalization

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between shyness, body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and thin-ideal internalization. A total of 89 participants were recruited from online shyness support groups located on Yahoo Groups and Google Groups, as well as through Myspace and a mass email sent to students at Alliant International University. Demographic variables were examined using a questionnaire consisting of 12 questions that pertained to ethnicity, religion, level of education, marital status, annual household income, employment status, as well as questions related to current satisfaction with weight and body size, exercise, and dieting. Participants completed four scales: The Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale (RCBS), Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and the Ideal Body Stereotype Scale-Revised. Hypothesis I through III stated that there are positive relationships between the independent variable shyness and the dependent variables body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and thin-ideal internalization. Hypothesis IV stated that body dissatisfaction would moderate the relationship between shyness and disordered eating. A supplemental analysis examined the relationship between body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Results indicated that shy individuals are more dissatisfied with their bodies but are not more likely to internalize the thin-ideal or take part in disordered eating behaviors. In addition, body dissatisfaction did not moderate the relationship between shyness and disordered eating, however, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating were strongly related. This study provides clinical implications for understanding the shy individual. The ways in which shy individuals view their bodies and physical appearance, as well as the fact that shy individuals are more dissatisfied with their bodies, could be valuable information for mental health professionals. Treatment should focus on reducing anxiety in social situations and developing a healthier self-perception about one's overall body appearance. It is important for mental health professionals to understand the shy individual in a broader context in order to provide the most comprehensive treatment options. Future research should focus on examining cultural differences between various groups, as well as how shy individuals, who are also dissatisfied with their bodies, could be at risk for developing eating pathologies.