When the self stands out: Figure-ground effects on self-focused attention.

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Paul Silvia, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: When do people focus attention on the self? Based on Gestalt notions of figure–ground assignment, two experiments demonstrated that making self figural against a background induces self-focused attention. In Experiment 1, perceiving figural self-symbols increased self- awareness relative to perceiving background self-symbols. In Experiment 2, making self figural against the background of a 6-person decision-making group increased self-awareness. These experiments clarify the antecedents of self-awareness and connect objective self-awareness theory to research on interpersonal deviancy.

Additional Information

Publication
Self and Identity, 3, 355-363
Language: English
Date: 2004
Keywords
Self-awareness, Self-focused attention, Distinctiveness, Figure–ground, Deviance

Email this document to