sing on them. These shy individuals do not realize that other people are usually not concerned with their actions. Bernardo Carducci, director of the Shyness Research Institute at Indiana University Southeast, is convinced that shifting the focus away from the self is the most therapeutic thing a shy person can do, (Schrof & Schultz, 1999, p. 55).In Shyness: What is it, What to do About it, Philip Zimbardo (1977) suggests a deep self-analysis as the first step to overcoming shyness. In his book he has several activities that allow the shy person the opportunity the chance to get to know themselves. These activities will initially increase self-awareness, but will eventually lead to a better understanding of the self and hopefully less shyness. Next he suggests the shy person focus on their particular kind of shyness, through surveys and little activities. He then goes into building self-esteem and learning social skills. Zimbardos methods are just one type of behavior therapy. Other methods include counseling, and group therapy. There does not seem to be any childrens books that touch on this subject. Most of the childrens books focus on shy children overcoming shyness on their own, or with help from a friend. There does not seem to be excessive research on children who overcome shyness on their own. This is probable because these childrens problems were probably not brought to the attention of a professional. One book in particular Orlandos Little-While by Audrey Wood focuses on a little boy who initially is afraid to try and make friends in his new neighborhood. He is first depicted as shy but then is able to overcome his shyness as soon as other playmates from the neighborhood befriend him. Research does indicate that many shy children befriend others who are shy; this is consistent with the prevailing principle that like seeks like. The dyadic nature of relationships with friends may deflect some of the uneasiness that withdrawn chi...
