Sense of community, shyness and loneliness in Lincoln Village: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Social Science with Honours at Lincoln University

Abstract

This study used quantitative research methods to investigate the relationships between sense of community, loneliness and shyness. A review of the literature indicated that sense of community had a negative association with loneliness, and that shy people were more likely to experience loneliness than non-shy people. Whilst also attempting to replicate previous research results between loneliness and shyness, and loneliness and sense of community, it was hypothesized that a further relationship would emerge between shyness and sense of community. A questionnaire was developed which included demographic questions, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, (version 3), (Russell, 1996), the revised Cheek and Buss shyness scale (Cheek, Cheek & Rothstein, 1986) and an adapted version of the Sense Of Community Index (SCI). A multi-stage cluster sample of 120 Lincoln residents produced 33 participants. There were no reliable correlations between the three variables, indicating rejection of the proposed hypothesis. Possible reasons for the results are discussed and future recommendations are presented. Despite the results, it is maintained that theoretical reasons warrant further investigation into these areas.