Using Computer Mediated Communication in Counseling University Students with Shyness

• In Event: Counseling and Human Development

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use a psychological-phenomenological, qualitative design to investigate the experience of shyness from the perspectives of adult undergraduate and graduate university students. A counseling technique using Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) to help shy people develop social skills they could translate into face-to-face (FTF) communication was investigated. Twenty undergraduate and graduate university students participated in this study. A psychological-phenomenological method was used to analyze the interview data. Key interview themes included: different types of shyness, symptoms, coping strategies, positive aspects, use of technology, and real-self expression.

Author

• John L Rausch Rausch, John Carroll University