Self-Presentation and Group Influence

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the social anxiety of individuals differing in the personality trait of social physique anxiety across three social conditions that varied in degree of group support present. A 2 (high vs. low social physique anxiety) x 3 (alone, with a bestfriend, with a group offriends)factorial design was used with a sample of undergraduate university students (N = 161). The results showed that in comparison with individuals higher in the trait of social physique anxiety, individuals lower in the trait perceived less social anxiety relative to their physique independent of the social condition. Further, group presence served to reduce the social anxiety associated with self-presentation. Progressively less social anxiety was experienced in the company of a best friend and the company of a group offriends than when alone. No interaction was found between the personality trait of social physique anxiety and the three social conditions.