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Shyness May Be Partly Inherited(遗传)
About 92 million Americans are shy, and according to recent research about half of them inherited the trait.
The studies were discussed at the American Psychological Convention.
One study, by Harvard University, was of babies 21- 48 months old. It concluded that these babies had a high heart rate when shown unfamiliar people or different toys.
Although shyness is not new, it has only recently become of interest to researchers. The first study on the genetic connection was in 1979.
According to Warren Jones of the University of Tulsa, social relations these days are more complex. "With less ritual(仪式) and more complex situations," he said, "shyness is a national concern."
Not all shy people are anxious and fearful, according to another study. Evidence shows that only half of shy people are tense, worried, and fearful in social situations.
Many men use shyness as an excuse for failing in social situations, according to C.R. Snyder of the University of Kansas. "This is not true of females. Perhaps,
American men are pressured to be assertive(自信的) and successful. So they would rather say they're shy than admit they're incompetent."
Shy people may do very well socially after the first meeting with someone. In fact, shy people tend to be more stable.
The psychologists said shyness seems to be cultural. Japan has the highest rating. China and Israel have the lowest rating. The United States rated in the middle.
