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Effects of self-focused attention and fear of evaluation on anxiety and perception of speech performance

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2015, Bachelor of Arts, Ohio University, Psychology.
Few studies have examined the unique relationships among state fear of negative evaluation (FNE), self-focused attention (SFA), state anxiety, and perceptions of speech performance (PSP). Furthermore, to the author’s knowledge, no study to date has assessed the role of state fear of positive evaluation (FPE) among these constructs. The present study examined these various relationships. Following participants’ delivery of an impromptu speech, and in support of hypothesis, positive, significant relationships emerged among trait social anxiety, state anxiety, state SFA, state FPE, state FNE, and perception of poor speech performance. In addition, and consistent with hypotheses, both state SFA and state FNE predicted state anxiety experienced throughout the speech, as well as poorer PSP. Contrary to our hypotheses, state FPE was not a robust predictor of state anxiety or PSP when accounting for state SFA and state FNE. Lastly, in line with hypothesis, the strength of the association between state SFA and state anxiety was moderated by participants’ level of trait social anxiety, such that these relations were stronger (and more positive) as trait social anxiety increased. Inconsistent with hypothesis, trait social anxiety did not moderate the relationship between state SFA and PSP. Findings provide support for the theoretical model (Clark & Wells, 1995) that SFA may have particularly impactful effects on distress for highly socially anxious, versus low socially anxious, individuals.
Ashley Howell, M.S. (Committee Member)
Justin Weeks, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Sandra Hoyt, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Susan Tice-Alicke, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
59 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Craven, M. (2015). Effects of self-focused attention and fear of evaluation on anxiety and perception of speech performance [Undergraduate thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouashonors1429632656

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Craven, Michael. Effects of self-focused attention and fear of evaluation on anxiety and perception of speech performance. 2015. Ohio University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouashonors1429632656.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Craven, Michael. "Effects of self-focused attention and fear of evaluation on anxiety and perception of speech performance." Undergraduate thesis, Ohio University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouashonors1429632656

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)