Shyness and Its Relationship to Depression among a Sample of University Students with Moderate Obesity

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to identify the relationship between shyness and depression among a sample of university students with moderate obesity. In addition, the study also aimed to investigate the possibility of predicting depression variable via the shyness variable among moderate obese university students.

Methods: The study used the correlational descriptive and the study consisted of (220) students from Al-Imam University which was divided into (100) male and (120) female students. The sample consisted of all students with an average body mass index at Imam University in Riyadh. The study also used the shyness and depression scale which was prepared and psychometrically tested by the researcher.

Results: The study results indicated that there is a statistically significant difference between the variables of shyness and depression among moderate obese students. The results also showed that there are statistically significant differences on the scales of shyness and depression according to the gender variable and it goes in favor of females. The research found a positive direct relationship between individuals' scores on the shyness scale and their individual scores on the Depression Scale. The study validated the possibility of predicting depression through the shyness variable.

Conclusions: The study recommends the necessity of increasing students’ awareness regarding the risks of obesity and working hard to get rid of shyness and depression. The study suggests implementing awareness programs at universities to address obesity risks, establishing psychological counseling centers for courses targeting shyness reduction, organizing programs to alleviate depressive disorders, and promoting exercise among university students.