How Self-Conscious Are You?

Of all living creatures, man is the only one who is self-conscious. This ability to reflect upon ourselves as an object can be used constructively to correct our faulty behavior. But, if carried to extremes, self-consciousness can be a hindrance.

Research done by Dr. P.A. Pilkonis while at Stanford University revealed two types of self-consciousness: private and public. Being privately self-conscious involves a feeling about yourself that is usually unfavorable, such as “I'm fat,” “I'm lazy,” or “I'm shallow.” Public self-consciousness, on the other hand, reflects your sensitivity about how others will judge or think about you.

In this age of style and image, where there is more emphasis on form than on substance, a common type of public self-consciousness is concerned about ones appearance. Judging from the billions of dollars spent yearly on clothes and cosmetics, this is uppermost in the minds of many people.

To gauge your own level of public self-consciousness, take the following quiz.