ABSTRACT
The transition to university is a life transition (Elder, 1985) that is particularly suited for the study of shyness in adulthood. The new social world of university offers freshmen many opportunities for socializing with peers, making friends, dating, falling in love, and finding a partner. Therefore the university is for most students not only an academic environment but also an attractive social setting. Consequently, the contact with and the importance of parents and siblings are expected to decrease after a short phase when they may be used as a source of support for coping with this life transition. Thus, in general, the life transition is expected to enlarge students’ social network, particularly with regard to peers, and to change their relationships with family members.
