Impact of Shyness on Self-Esteem: The Mediating Effect of Self-Presentation

Adrianna Bober, Ewa Gajewska, Anna Czaprowska, Agata Hiacynta Świątek and Małgorzata Szcześniak
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Adrianna Bober: Institute of Psychology, University of Szczecin, 70-017 Szczecin, Poland
Ewa Gajewska: Institute of Psychology, University of Szczecin, 70-017 Szczecin, Poland
Anna Czaprowska: Institute of Psychology, University of Szczecin, 70-017 Szczecin, Poland
Agata Hiacynta Świątek: Institute of Psychology, University of Szczecin, 70-017 Szczecin, Poland
Małgorzata Szcześniak: Institute of Psychology, University of Szczecin, 70-017 Szczecin, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 19, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Background: Although the relationship between shyness and self-esteem is well described in the psychological literature, far less is known about the potential mechanisms that underlie this association. The main goal of the current work is to verify whether self-presentation acts as a mediating variable between both constructs. Methods: The study was carried out among 198 adults. The Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Self-Presentation Style Questionnaire were applied. Results: A large and positive correlation coefficient was observed between the following variables: (1) self-esteem/self-promotion; (2) shyness/self-deprecation. All other variables correlated negatively: (1) shyness/self-esteem; (2) shyness/self-promotion; (3) self-esteem/self-deprecation; (4) self-promotion/self-deprecation. Moreover, both self-promotion and self-deprecation acted as mediators between life satisfaction and self-esteem. Conclusion: The outcomes of the present study show a new mediating aspect for the direct relationship between shyness and self-esteem in the form of two styles of self-presentation. The results indicate that the tendency of shy people to avoid others can have a lower effect on their overall sense of self-esteem when they try to present themselves in a clearly favorable light. By contrast, shyness may have a stronger impact on their sense of self-worth when they present themselves as helpless, unsure, and incompetent.

Keywords: shyness; self-esteem; self-presentation; self-promotion; self-deprecation; mediation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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