Self-censorship orientation: Scale development, correlates and outcomes

Abstract

Self-censorship is defined as intentionally and voluntarily withholding information from others in absence of formal obstacles. We conducted cross-sectional and longitudinal research to develop a quantitative measure of individuals’ Self-Censorship Orientation (SCO) and investigated its correlates and outcomes in the context of the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Stage 1 investigated the factor structure of the scale and its convergent and discriminant validity in a representative sample (N = 499). Findings revealed two negatively related factors representing preferences for self-censorship and for disclosure of information. The factors were distinct from measures of similar constructs and correlated as expected with variables representing conservatism, ingroup commitment and universalistic values. In Stage 2, participants were re-surveyed five months later to establish test-retest reliability and predictive validity. SCO factors assessed at Stage 1 predicted readiness to conceal or reveal information portraying the ingroup’s conduct in the conflict negatively beyond all Stage 1 measures. The SCO scale provides a reliable and valid instrument for future investigations of self-censorship and its individual and societal implications.

Support for Self‐Censorship Among Israelis as a Barrier to Resolving the Israeli‐Palestinian Conflict

“…This sociopsychological phenomenon falls within the domain of situations in which individuals either intentionally and voluntarily withhold information from other society members even in the absence of formal obstacles or support such withholding of information that may reflect negatively on the society, creating a climate of silence. Support for self‐censorship thus aims to protect the society in conflict by blocking the dissemination of information viewed as harming a society that is threatened by the rival group and is coping with vital challenges in a violent conflict (see Sharvit et al, ). Moreover, it is one of the mechanisms through which conservative political orientations contribute to the maintenance of intergroup conflict (Bar‐Tal, ).…”

Adaptation and validation of the Self-Censorship Orientation (SCO) scale into Spanish (Adaptación y validación de la escala de Orientación a la Autocensura (OAC) al español)

“…Given the above, this study seeks to translate, adapt and provide evidence of validity of the measures provided by the Spanish version of the Self-Censorship Orientation (SCO) scale initially developed by Sharvit et al (2018). To do so, we will start with back-translating the scale, then checking its reliability and dimensionality with three samples from different Spanish-speaking countries (i.e., Spain, Colombia and Mexico).…”

“…Thus, the study of self-censorship in today's societies, and particularly in Spain and Latin America, where these problems are salient, is vitally important. In consequence, we set out to adapt the Self-Censorship Orientation (SCO) scale (Sharvit et al, 2018) to Spanish and provide evidence of validity of its measures.…”

The challenges of social and political psychology in pursuit of peace: Personal account.

“…A series of studies has shown its scope and the conditions for its use, as well as its motivational basis, as for example, Hameiri, Sharvit, Bar-Tal, Shahar, and Halperin (2017) and Sharvit et al (in press). An edited book has illustrated its use in different institutions of society.…”