Shyness, Maladaptive Daydreaming, Overexcitability, and Emotional Expressivity in a Cross-Sectional University Sample

Shyness, as a personality trait, needs further investigation, especially as it relates to maladaptive daydreaming. This cross-sectional Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved study investigated a sample of college students ( N = 423). The Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (age, sex, ethnicity covariates) findings indicated that, compared to moderate (67%) and low (16%) shy groups, the high shy (17%) group had significantly greater maladaptive daydreaming (kinesthesia, yearning, impairment), imaginational overexcitability, and poorer emotional expressivity. Maladaptive daydreaming and emotional overexcitability were positive predictors of shyness, whereas psychomotor overexcitability and emotional expressivity were negative predictors of shyness ( R 2 = .17). Imaginational overexcitability, shyness, and sensual overexcitability (negative) were predictors for maladaptive daydreaming ( R 2 = .40). It is recommended that maladaptive daydreaming, overexcitability, and emotional expressivity be addressed when educating or treating shy individuals. Gaining socio-emotional competence may enhance self-esteem in shy individuals, especially if they also engage in more maladaptive daydreaming.