Children Who Are Lonely and Shy: Action Steps for the Counselor.

摘要: Ten-year-old Sheila is a lonely child. She very shy about initiating conversations or behaviors that involve others. Her peers never choose her as teammate. When asked by teacher out-of-school activities, hesitatingly replied she had no friends. From all appearances, unhappy not unique in loneliness. Typically, when children group are to name their friends, 10% of the members named (Asher & Renshaw, 1981). Byrnes (1984) cited research suggesting 19% school classrooms may be considered social isolates, "not chosen anyone on sociometric instrument" (Byrnes, 1984, p. 374). Estimates loneliness among general population United States range from 11% 26% (Peplau, Russell, Heim, 1979). Moreover, 40% reports shyness major personal problem (Pilkonis Zimbardo, Indeed, Campbell (1981) reported approximately one six Americans indicates lack friend whom he can confide. These data suggest existence relatively large adults well who socially isolated and have developed skills necessary establish close interpersonal relationships. Lonely people concern counselors for several important reasons. Good relationships, feelings relatedness belonging, long been essential good mental health (Durkheim, 1951; Maslow, 1954; Murray, 1938). Recent further suggests persistent makes individuals vulnerable various physical disorders. Loneliness has linked depression (Bragg, 1979), alcoholism (Nerviano Gross, 1976), juvenile delinquency (Brennan Auslander, illness (Lynch, 1977), suicide (Trout, 1980). Turner suggested isolation play causative role problems. Although need ties recognized, little area conducted until recently