Revision of the Self-Monitoring Scale

The 1st of 4 studies using a total of 732 undergraduates revealed that M. Snyder's self-monitoring scale exhibits a stable factor structure that does not correspond to the 5-component theoretical structure he presents. Sets of face-valid items that better approximate the theoretical structure are described (Studies 2-4). Correlations between these sets of items and measures of other constructs revealed that 4 of the 5 components are positively related to social anxiety. Effective social interaction is supposedly the high self-monitor's forte, and social anxiety appears to be incompatible with this. The correlational results therefore question the entire theory and indicate the need for a narrower definition of the construct. Adopting such a definition from Synder's review article (1979), the authors present a 13-item revised self-monitoring scale that measures only sensitivity to the expressive behavior of others and ability to modify self-presentation. A 20-item concern for appropriateness scale is also described, which measures 2 variables that are directly associated with social anxiety--cross-situational variability and attention to social comparison information. Both scales had acceptable internal consistency, and both yielded 2 subscale scores as well as a total score. Prospective users of either scale are advised to treat the 3 scores separately. (31 ref)