Functional and Dysfunctional Self-focus, Self-acceptance, and Self-disclosure

Abstract

Self-focus, the tendency to focus attention on the self, has functional and dysfunctional aspects influencing psychological adjustment, e.g., self-reflection and self-rumination. Although most previous studies have examined these functional and dysfunctional forms of self-focus in relation with affective and cognitive processes within a person, few studies have investigated the roles of self-focus in a social and interpersonal context. The present study examined the relationships among these two forms of self-focus and self-acceptance and self-disclosure. A total of 122 undergraduates completed a packet of questionnaires measuring self-rumination, self-reflection, self-acceptance, and self-disclosure. Structural equation modeling indicated that self-rumination is directly and indirectly associated with inadequate self-disclosure, mediated by a lower level of self-acceptance; whereas self-reflection is associated with adequate self-disclosure mediated by a higher level of self-acceptance. These results suggest that self-rumination and self-reflection play different roles in social and interpersonal functioning and psychological adjustment.View full abstract