PRIVATE SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE RETEST RELIABILITY OF SELF-REPORTS

Two studies were conducted to determine if the test-retest reliability of various self-report measures would be moderated by individual differences in levels of private self-consciousness. Consistent with past research, findings indicated general support for the hypothesis that subjects high in private self-consciousness display self-reports of greater reliability across time than subjects low in private self-consciousness. In addition, Study 1 found that the time interval separating the two test sessions (3 and 9 weeks apart) did not affect the enhanced reliability of self-reports among high private self-conscious subjects. The results were interpreted in terms of the notion that high private self-conscious subjects have articulated self-schemata of greater temporal stability than low private self-conscious subjects. Suggestions regarding the future study of the moderating influence of private self-consciousness on the reliability of personality scales were offered. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.