Videotape “Self-Confrontation Effect” as Function of Person Viewed and Task Performed

Abstract

Effects of self-confrontation via videotape playback on self-image and self-other discrimination were assessed with Leary's Interpersonal Check List and Carr's Interpersonal Discrimination Task. Four subject groups were utilized: subjects viewing themselves in a self-image-related task situation (Relevant Task-Self-confrontation); subjects viewing themselves carrying out tasks not directly related to self-image (Irrelevant Task-Self-confrontation); subjects who saw another person in the image-relevant task situation (Relevant Task-Nonconfrontation); and subjects who saw another in the nonrelevant task situation (Irrelevant Task-Nonconfrontation). For both measures, only the Relevant Task-Self-confrontation group showed significant differences between pre- and post-videotape playback scores. The change was in the direction of greater congruency between self-as-seen-by-self and self-as-seen-by-others. Heart rate, measured as an ongoing physiological index of cognitive process, differed similarly as a function of task and presence or absence of self-confrontation.