Peer group antecedents of severe love-shyness in males

Abstract

Love-shyness is a degree of inhibition and reticence with the opposite sex that is sufficiently severe to preclude participation in courtship, marriage and family roles. Love-shyness is believed to be the result of a genetic-biologically rooted temperament and learning experiences with peers and family. Two love-shy groups (an older one and a younger one) were compared to a nonshy group on several variables pertaining to past peer group history, recreational proclivities, etc. The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire was also administered to all subjects. The love-shys recalled going through life as social isolates and outcasts and experienced very stressful and nonsupportive relationships with agemate peers. In contrast to the non-shys who recalled suffering very little bullying at the hands of agemate peers, the love-shys' formative years were recalled as having been fraught with victimization by bullies. The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations are offered.