The role of social support and self-esteem in the relationship between shyness and loneliness

This study aimed at examining the role of social support and self-esteem in the relationship between shyness and loneliness. The sample consisted of 399 college students, ranging in age from 18 to 30. Cheek and Buss shyness scale, multi-dimensional scale of perceived social support, Rosenberg self-esteem scale and emotional and social loneliness scale were used for data collection. Structural equation modeling showed partial mediation effects of social support and self-esteem between shyness and loneliness. Furthermore, a multi-group analysis found that shy male college students tend to have a more negative self-evaluation compared to their female counterparts. The results are discussed in terms of the conceptional context.

► Shyness and loneliness were partially mediated by social support and self-esteem.
► The path of shyness → social support → self-esteem → loneliness was significant.
► Shy male college students tend to have a more negative self-evaluation compared to their female counterparts.
► We test the mediation models in Chinese culture.