Relationship Between Public Self-Consciousness, Private Self-Consciousness and Loneliness: Focusing on Sub-Dimensions of Self-Consciousnesses

Abstract

This study aimed to examine relationship between self-consciousness and loneliness. In study 1, the relationships between public and private self-consciousnesses and loneliness were examined. A total of 200 Japanese individuals completed the Public and Private Self-Consciousness Scale as well as the Japanese Version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that public and private self-consciousnesses were not significantly associated with loneliness. In study 2, we focused on the sub-dimensions of public self-consciousnesses, specifically praise seeking and rejection avoidance, and the sub-dimensions of private self-consciousnesses, namely self-rumination and self-reflection. Their relationships with loneliness were examined. A total of 400 Japanese individuals completed the Praise Seeking and Rejection Avoidance Needs Scale, the Self-Rumination and Self-Reflection Scale, and the Japanese Version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3. A multiple regression analyses revealed that praise seeking and self-reflection were negatively related to loneliness, while self-rumination was positively related to loneliness. Rejection avoidance needs showed no significant association with loneliness.