Measuring the effects of self-awareness: Construction of the Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire

Abstract

Dispositional self-awareness is conceptualized in several different ways, including insight, reflection, rumination and mindfulness, with the latter in particular attracting extensive attention in recent research. While self-awareness is generally associated with positive psychological well-being, these different conceptualizations are also each associated with a range of unique outcomes. This two part, mixed methods study aimed to advance understanding of dispositional self-awareness by developing a questionnaire to measure its outcomes. In Study 1, expert focus groups categorized and extended an initial pool of potential items from previous research. In Study 2, these items were reduced to a 38 item self-report questionnaire with four factors representing three beneficial outcomes (reflective self-development, acceptance and proactivity) and one negative outcome (costs). Regression of these outcomes against self-awareness measures revealed that self-reflection and insight predicted beneficial outcomes, rumination predicted reduced benefits and increased costs, and mindfulness predicted both increased proactivity and costs. These studies help to refine the self-awareness concept by identifying the unique outcomes associated with the concepts of self-reflection, insight, reflection, rumination and mindfulness. It can be used in future studies to evaluate and develop awareness-raising techniques to maximize self-awareness benefits while minimizing related costs.

A Qualitative Exploration of Individual Differences in Wellbeing for Highly Sensitive Individuals

“…Solitude may provide the time and space for self-awareness, self-acceptance, and selfcompassion, aspects that participants pointed towards being helpful for wellbeing. Our findings are consistent with the literature which generally associates dispositional selfawareness with high levels of psychological wellbeing, and views it as a means of alleviating psychological distress (Gu, Strauss, Bond, & Cavanagh, 2015;Sutton, 2016). Our results also align with existing research showing positive associations between self-acceptance and psychological wellbeing (Lindfors, Berntsson, & Lundberg, 2006;Ryff, 1989aRyff, , 2014.…”

Autorreflexão e insight como dimensões da autoconsciência privada: uma revisão da literatura

“…A mensuração, o controle e o aprimoramento desse elo têm atraído pesquisadores principalmente da área da saúde, tendo em vista que o uso inadequado de recursos envolvidos no processo de refletir sobre os próprios pensamentos, sentimentos e comportamentos, entendê-los, avaliá-los e modificá-los, pode acarretar prejuízos ao desempenho cognitivo, ao bem-estar físico e psicológico, e às interações sociais. Experiência vivenciada tanto por profissionais em formação ou no exercício de sua atividade (Carr & Johnson, 2013;Cowden & Meyer-Weitz, 2016;Eng & Pai, 2015;Mass et al, 2015;Pai, 2015;Richards et al, 2010;Roberts & Stark, 2008;van Dulmen et al, 2014), quanto por aqueles que estão sob seus cuidados e atenção (Butler, 2009;Chung et al, 2012;DaSilveira et al, 2012DaSilveira et al, , 2015Gerace & Day, 2010;Grant, 2003;Grant et al, 2002;Haga et al, 2009;Harrington & Loffredo, 2011;Harrington et al, 2016;Lyke, 2009;Sauter et al, 2010;Silvia & Phillips, 2011;Sutton, 2016;Xu, 2011).…”

Pilot evaluation of the impacts of a personal practice informed undergraduate psychotherapy curriculum on student learning and wellbeing

“…Eight items relevant to the present study were drawn from the two subscales (Reflective Self‐Development and Acceptance) of the Self‐awareness Outcomes Questionnaire (Sutton, ). Items were selected which had content pertinent to the undergraduate psychology context (e.g., I have learnt about myself and how I see the world; I have become more aware of my strengths and limitations ).…”

“…Self‐awareness refers to an individual's capacity to be consciously aware of often unnoticed internal states (e.g., emotions, physical reactions, cognitions, and motivations) and their interactions with others (Sutton, ). Although the association between self‐awareness and therapist effectiveness and clinical outcomes is unclear, largely because of measurement variations, self‐awareness is widely regarded as an important therapist attribute and is emphasised in psychotherapy textbooks.…”