Previous research has highlighted the duality of self-consciousness, which simultaneously plays adaptive and maladaptive roles. This study aims to develop a measure that categorically distinguishes between different types of self-consciousness styles based on the Regulatory Focus Theory (RFT) and examines their relationship with mental health-related indicators.
Data were gathered through an online mental health survey conducted at a University Student Counseling Center in Seoul. The study involved exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability and validity analysis, which resulted in the development of a 14-question Self-Consciousness Type Scale (SCTS).
Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses validated the two-factor structure of the SCTS. The fit indices of the final model indicated a good fit, with high internal consistency for both sub-factors. Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed through correlations between the sub-scales. Cluster analysis identified four distinct subtypes of self-consciousness styles: Growth-oriented, Defensive, Ambivalent, and Low-focus self-consciousness. Group difference analysis revealed significant differences in mental health-related variables among the subtypes, supporting the 2 × 2 model of prevention-focused and promotion-focused self-consciousness.
The findings support the SCTS as a valid measurement tool capable of distinguishing four distinct types of self-consciousness, aligning with the multidimensional model of self-consciousness. The study’s limitations and implications were discussed based on the results, emphasizing the potential applications of the SCTS in mental health research and practice.