Exploring the effect of non-verbal drama activities on shyness with a focus on the behavioural component

Abstract: This exploratory study attempted to observe the behavioural characteristics of shyness of participants with some level of shyness who took part in a set of group drama activities. There was also interest to see if the more shy participants would achieve relaxation and self-expression. The Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness scale was administered to 20 individuals in order to measure shyness. A thematic content analysis was performed on data from open-ended questions. Out of the study’s sample there were no participants scoring high on the shyness scale causing difficulties to draw conclusions. There were some indications that more shy people were able to express themselves as they perform drama activities while interacting with others. Nevertheless the findings were difficult to evaluate since the way more shy were divided from the less shy participants was not solid.