Swedish Mentality by Åke Daun

According to many observers social relationships are particularly problematic among Swedes. This may manifest itself as communication apprehension, reservedness, desire for social autonomy, positive attitudes towards loneliness and strict boundaries between private and public life.
A comparative study of American and Swedish university students with regards to communication apprehension revealed that the general attitude in America towards shyness is negative. Shy people are thought of as being both less competent and less intelligent. Therefore, Americans try to hide or overcome their shyness. This is not the case in Sweden. Link