This volume is about shyness: its definitions and conceptualization as a psy­ chological construct, research on its causes and consequences, methods for meas­ uring shyness, strategies for alleviating the unpleasant experiences associated with shyness, and its connection to other forms of social anxiety and inhibition. the book together was to provide a resource for The principal goal in putting psychologists from several subdisciplines, most notably social, personality, clin­ ical, and development13-l psychology, in addition to social scientists from other disciplines. We do riot assume that these chapters, considered collectively or individually, provide answers to every conceivable issue with respect to shyness. Rather, we hope that the book will serve to integrate what is known about shyness on the basis of current research and theorizing and to provide both directions and impetus for continued research, theoretical evolution, and improved techniques of assessment and intervention. But one might ask, why another book on shyness? In particular, why a book at this time given the recent appearance of other books on the topic and in view of the extensive literature on related topics such as introversion and anxiety-topics that would seem to compete with shyness for the same concep­ tual space? Our decision to edit this volume was prompted by several consid­ erations, some practical, others more substantive in nature.