The spotlight effect: the role of social anxiety, locus of control, age and self-esteem
Authors
Martin, Wendy
Issue Date
2024
Degree
BA Hons Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Abstract
This study investigated the spotlight effect using self-focused information to predict how others perceive us while examining the influence of social anxiety, self-esteem, LOC, age, and gender. The study involved 129 participants (M=37, F=92), ages ranging from 18-75 (M=38.95, SD=11.44). The survey included sociodemographic and psychological scale questionnaires such as INCOM, LSAS-SR, Levenson’s LOC and RSE. The t-test indicated no significant difference in the spotlight effect based on gender, while Spearman’s rho indicated a negative relationship with age and a positive relationship with self-esteem and internal LOC. ANOVA indicated no interaction between age and gender and linear regression found the spotlight effect predicted social anxiety. Multiple regression indicated external LOC (chance), social anxiety and age were combined predictors of the spotlight effect, age being strongest. Results align somewhat with previous research but require further investigation into comparison directions. LOC needs further investigation due to the lack of previous research.