Focus of attention in groups: a self-attention perspective.
In three studies, we examined the hypothesis, derived from self-attention theory, that the focus of attention of individuals in groups varies as a function of group composition. In naturally occurring, nonlaboratory settings, Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated a decrease in first-person singular pronoun usage as the proportionate number of discussants in a group increased. In a laboratory setting, Study 3 demonstrated an increase in self-reported self-focus as the number of subjects decreased relative to the number of experimenters. These results support the conceptualization of self-focused attention as a mediator of group composition effects.
Mullen
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B
Chapman
J G
JG
Peaugh
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S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006127:Group Structure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept