Perception differences and levels of shyness

This investigation advanced six research questions focusing on the perceptions that individuals with high and low levels of shyness have concerning how others perceive them. Results demonstrated that individuals with high levels of shyness feel that others perceive them negatively while individuals with low levels of shyness view others as evaluating them positively. Given these findings, this report discusses future research in the area of shyness.     

Memorable Messages as Sources of Hope

Based on hope theory, this study examined potential links between hope and memorable messages. Using qualitative methods, the authors coded the content and form of memorable messages in three domains: academics, relationships, and finances. Quantitative analysis then tested if the memorable message characteristics of positivity and efficacy were associated with dispositional and domain-specific hope. Consistent with predictions, participants with higher dispositional hope reported more positive and efficacious messages across message domains. Hierarchical regression analysis suggested that the agency, but not the pathways, dimension of dispositional hope predicted message positivity and efficacy. Regression results also indicated that participants with higher domain-specific pathways reported more efficacious memorable messages.