Social Withdrawal, Shyness and Loneliness in Childhood: A Review of Current Approaches

Abstract

The scientific study of social withdrawal, shyness and loneliness in childhood has had an important increase in recent years, producing a wide variety of perspectives. Objective: the goal of the present study was to explore the current approaches to the subject. Method: a systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out, identifying similarities and differences around the concepts, the main issues and the predominant evaluation methods. a classification of the lines of research is characterized according to three approaches: biological, cognitive and motivational. Discussion: challenges for the future within each perspective are outlined and the importance of progressing in the knowledge of these variables for promoting children's mental health is highlighted.