Self-focused attention and negative affect: a meta-analysis

Psychol Bull. 2002 Jul;128(4):638-62. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.128.4.638.

Abstract

This meta-analysis synthesized 226 effect sizes reflecting the relation between self-focused attention and negative affect (depression, anxiety, negative mood). The results demonstrate the multifaceted nature of self-focused attention and elucidate major controversies in the field. Overall, self-focus was associated with negative affect. Several moderators qualified this relationship. Self-focus and negative affect were more strongly related in clinical and female-dominated samples. Rumination yielded stronger effect sizes than nonruminative self-focus. Self-focus on positive self-aspects and following a positive event were related to lower negative affect. Most important, an interaction between foci of self-attention and form of negative affect was found: Private self-focus was more strongly associated with depression and generalized anxiety, whereas public self-focus was more strongly associated with social anxiety.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Attention*
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Environment