Is shyness a genetic trait, or a learned behaviour?

Question

This question could also be applied to any number of human characteristics, shyness was just the first that sprang to my mind. :)

Answer 1

it is a learned trait! my father has to be the mostly cocky man I have ever encountered. at times people do intimidate me, but people who can clearly kick his *** he will personally insult them to thier face! maybe im more intelligent either way his self-esteem definently superior to my own.

Answer 2

I would say shyness is a learned behaviour. You learn a lack of confidence from the people around you, especially in your childhood. If your parents were shy, you would probably pick up messages/beliefs of lack of confidence, or not being good enough from them. These would form part of your belief system, which would in time become a character trait.

The only reason people think of it as genetic, is because it passed down from generation to generation...but in the form of beliefs and mindsets rather than genetic data.

Answer 3

Shyness is a nature-nurture characteristic which means it's both genetic and learned behaviour

Answer 4

As a child I was painfully shy, my mother was shy, my father wasn't and none of my six siblings were shy. I hated being shy because it prevented me doing things I really wanted to do like reading speeches in front of an audience, something my brothers and sisters never had a problem with. I don't know why it affected me but as a teenager I made a conscious decision to fight my shyness and now there's no stopping me. I still get nervous from time to time but can never be called shy anymore

Answer 5

As a child I was very introvert (shy) now in my fifties I am very friendly to cover up my inwardly shyness - however, I would say this was not genetic as my siblings were always outgoing as children and they grew to be very shy' - so what I am saying via the proof of myself is it is mostly a learned behaviour.

Answer 6

I think that it is more of a learned behaviour. My parents were both extremely shy when i was growing up and unfortunatley i attached to this kind of behaviour. Thankfully, through working with a great bunch of people i have learned to be a lot more confident.

Answer 7

Genetic trait, but if an individual wants something, regardless of shyness that person shall go for it.

Answer 8

I would say it is more of a learned behaviour since shyness is a conduct and not a mindset.

Answer 9

I believe that it's more genetic than learned. My whole family is shy. I guess that if someone were mean to you as a child, that could contribute, but I had very loving parents.

Answer 10

learned behaviour....but i also feel that somehow it is also decided by birth...i dont know how genetic it is...two people brought up in the same conditions way right from the time of birth never turn out to be exactly alike...that explains what i mean

Answer 11

I would agree with 'Global Geezer's' answer. We are formed by our experiences and expectations of others. Forget about the genetic argument because it is self-limiting. You can be who you want to be. You can choose to believe in genetic traits and sure enough they will stop you developing further. Life is too short to limit yourself.