Self-consciousness : a new measure of individual differences, parental behavior antecedents, and cognitive correlates

Self-consciousness, a dysphoric state of intense focus on oneself as an object of critical scrutiny by others, is defined in terras of Rotter's Social Learning Theory. Research on constructs called self-consciousness and social anxiety is reviewed; none adequately addresses the construct as defined in this dissertation.
This study examined the validity of a new measure of individual differences on trait self-consciousness and the relationships of self-consciousness to perceptions of parents' behaviors and to negative cognitions.
Eighty-two females and 45 males who had scored in either the top or bottom of the UConn Self-Consciousness Scale
SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS: A NEW MEASURE OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES,
PARENTAL BEHAVIOR ANTECEDENTS, AND COGNITIVE CORRELATES
distribution were studied in smallv same sex groups. These subjects played charades and then rated themselves and each other on self-consciousness, and completed cognitions and parental behaviors questionnaires. Two assistants made behavioral and self-consciousness ratings from behind a oneway mirror.
This study provides some support for the predictive validity of the UConn scale. Scores were related to expectancies of negative outcomes, self-ratings of state self-consciousness, and, for females, ratings of self- consciousness assigned by other subjects.
Males and females reacted differently to the charades situation; males were more constricted, as if they were trying tc control their external signs of self- consciousness. The study's external validity is discussed.
Psychometric problems and the absence of validational support for the antecedent measures precluded drawing firm conclusions about the role of parental behaviors. However, the data trends suggest that the opposite-sexed parent may play the greater role in the development of trait self- consciousness.
There appears to be a significant relationship between expectancies for negative outcomes and self-consciousness. Suggestions for future research into cognitions are offered.
While there are observable referents of self- consciousness, this study found a distinct gap between subjective reports of self-consciousness and observers' recognition of self-consciousness. Whether or not the construct of self-consciousness can be adequately operationalized with overt behavior ratings is discussed. Further investigation into the phenomenological experience of state self-consciousness and into situations which elicit state self-consciousness might help provide the basis for operationalized self-report state and trait measures.