Social withdrawal in childhood refers to children refraining from social activities in the presence of peers. It can result from social fear, anxiety, or a preference for solitude. Children who are socially withdrawn are at risk for various negative outcomes, including socio-emotional difficulties, peer issues, and school problems. This review aims to clarify the concept of social withdrawal, examine its predictors and consequences, and present a developmental framework for understanding the pathways of social withdrawal. Social withdrawal is a complex construct with multiple forms, including shyness, behavioral inhibition, and social reticence. It is influenced by internal factors such as anxiety and low self-esteem, as well as external factors like peer rejection. Social withdrawal is often linked to psychological maladaptation, reflecting internalized feelings of anxiety or depression. It is not merely the display of solitude but the underlying social or emotional difficulties that may lead to it. Social withdrawal is associated with various psychological and behavioral issues, including anxiety, depression, and peer rejection. It is also linked to social phobia and internalizing disorders. The expression of social withdrawal can be influenced by biological factors, such as differences in the amygdala's excitability and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. These biological factors may interact with environmental factors, such as parenting styles, to influence the development and maintenance of social withdrawal. Parenting styles, particularly overprotective and controlling behaviors, can contribute to the development of social withdrawal. Secure attachment relationships are associated with better social competence, while insecure attachment is linked to externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Overprotective parenting may lead to social anxiety and withdrawal, as children may not develop necessary coping strategies. Conversely, children who are socially withdrawn may lead to overprotective parenting, creating a cycle of social withdrawal and parental overcontrol. Peer relationships are significantly affected by social withdrawal. Socially withdrawn children are more likely to experience peer rejection and victimization. They may also have difficulty forming and maintaining friendships, although some may have stable best friends. The quality of these friendships is often poor, with limited helpfulness and intimacy. Social withdrawal is associated with negative self-perceptions and social cognitions. Children who are socially withdrawn often feel and think poorly of themselves, leading to negative self-perceptions of social skills and peer relationships. These negative self-perceptions can further contribute to social withdrawal and social anxiety. In summary, social withdrawal in childhood is a complex phenomenon influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. It is associated with various negative outcomes, including peer rejection, social anxiety, and depression. Understanding the causes and consequences of social withdrawal is essential for developing effective interventions to support socially withdrawn children.Social withdrawal in childhood refers to children refraining from social activities in the presence of peers. It can result from social fear, anxiety, or a preference for solitude. Children who are socially withdrawn are at risk for various negative outcomes, including socio-emotional difficulties, peer issues, and school problems. This review aims to clarify the concept of social withdrawal, examine its predictors and consequences, and present a developmental framework for understanding the pathways of social withdrawal. Social withdrawal is a complex construct with multiple forms, including shyness, behavioral inhibition, and social reticence. It is influenced by internal factors such as anxiety and low self-esteem, as well as external factors like peer rejection. Social withdrawal is often linked to psychological maladaptation, reflecting internalized feelings of anxiety or depression. It is not merely the display of solitude but the underlying social or emotional difficulties that may lead to it. Social withdrawal is associated with various psychological and behavioral issues, including anxiety, depression, and peer rejection. It is also linked to social phobia and internalizing disorders. The expression of social withdrawal can be influenced by biological factors, such as differences in the amygdala's excitability and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. These biological factors may interact with environmental factors, such as parenting styles, to influence the development and maintenance of social withdrawal. Parenting styles, particularly overprotective and controlling behaviors, can contribute to the development of social withdrawal. Secure attachment relationships are associated with better social competence, while insecure attachment is linked to externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Overprotective parenting may lead to social anxiety and withdrawal, as children may not develop necessary coping strategies. Conversely, children who are socially withdrawn may lead to overprotective parenting, creating a cycle of social withdrawal and parental overcontrol. Peer relationships are significantly affected by social withdrawal. Socially withdrawn children are more likely to experience peer rejection and victimization. They may also have difficulty forming and maintaining friendships, although some may have stable best friends. The quality of these friendships is often poor, with limited helpfulness and intimacy. Social withdrawal is associated with negative self-perceptions and social cognitions. Children who are socially withdrawn often feel and think poorly of themselves, leading to negative self-perceptions of social skills and peer relationships. These negative self-perceptions can further contribute to social withdrawal and social anxiety. In summary, social withdrawal in childhood is a complex phenomenon influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. It is associated with various negative outcomes, including peer rejection, social anxiety, and depression. Understanding the causes and consequences of social withdrawal is essential for developing effective interventions to support socially withdrawn children.