Role of Shyness and Perceived Social Support in Self-disclosure among University Students

The present study investigated the role of shyness and perceived social support in self-disclosure among university students. It was also intended to examine the moderating role of perceived social support in the relationship between shyness and self-disclosure. Shyness Questionnaire (Henderson & Zimbardo, 2002), Perceived Social Support Scale (Cutrona & Russell, 1990), and Self- Disclosure Scale (Magno, Cuason, & Figueroa, 2008) were used to measure study variables. Sample consisted of 380 university students including both men and women within age range of 18 to 30 years (M = 28.33, SD = 6.51). Results showed that shyness was significantly negatively related with self-disclosure and perceived social support. However, self-disclosure had significant positive relationship with perceived social support. Results further showed that perceived social support moderates the relationship between shyness and self-disclosure. Significant gender differences were found on shyness, perceived social support, and self-disclosure, with male university students reflecting more perceived social support and self-disclosure; while, they were low on shyness as compared to female students. Future implications of the study were also discussed.