Positive Shyness in the Brain: Frontal Electroencephalogram Alpha Asymmetry and Delta–Beta Correlation in Children

Positive shyness is thought to be an approach‐dominant form of shyness, whereas non‐positive shyness is thought to be an avoidance‐dominant form of shyness. This study examined electrocortical and behavioral correlates of motivation and emotion in relation to these shy subtypes in 67 children (Mage = 10.41 years, SD = 3.23). Using resting state electroencephalography, findings revealed that positive shy and low shy children had greater relative left frontal alpha asymmetry compared to non‐positive shy children, and positive shy children had a higher frontal delta–beta correlation compared to other groups. Non‐positive shy children scored highest on parent‐reported school avoidance. These findings converge with previous work reporting distinct correlates in positive and non‐positive shyness, extending this to two brain measures of motivation and emotion.

Positive Shyness in the Brain: Frontal Electroencephalogram Alpha Asymmetry and Delta–Beta Correlation in Children Journal Articles