I have a mental health question, can you help?

What causes a person to be starved for attention? I feel like I have always desperately wanted attention but I get very nervous and uncomfortable when attention is drawn to me and I'm beginning to think something might be wrong with me. I did grow up in a very conservative, Christian home so I always feel uncomfortable around people who are not like me even though I am not like my parents. It's just been ingrained in me to react this way. My dad never really showed any emotions either but my mother did. Are these any reasons to be attention starved? Could anyone explain it to me? Thanks!