Dataset for: Development and validation of a short-form of the German Self-Consciousness Scale (SAM-SF) in the general population

Background: The German translation of the Self-Consciousness Scale (Fragebogen zur Erfassung dispositionaler Selbstaufmerksamkeit [SAM]) is a 27-item self-report measure assessing self-consciousness. Previous studies have shown poor fit for the proposed two-factor structure, assessing private and public self-consciousness. We assessed the factor structure of the German version in order to develop and validate a short-form, with the goals of improving model fit and providing a brief version for use in research and clinical practice. Method: Participants were 2,326 adults representative of the German general population, divided using random selection to attain two comparable samples: Sample A and Sample B. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used with Sample A for item selection. The new short-form was evaluated in Sample B, examining structural validity, measurement invariance, and convergent validity with measures assessing quality of life, well-being, neuroticism, and stress. Results: Results support a two-factor hierarchical model for the 12-item short-form, which demonstrates full measurement invariance across gender, age, and education-level. Positive correlations were found between self-consciousness, quality of life, well-being, and chronic stress. Discussion: Results support the use of the SAM-SF to provide a total score, as well as subscale scores for private and public self-consciousness.

Background: The German translation of the Self-Consciousness Scale (Fragebogen zur Erfassung dispositionaler Selbstaufmerksamkeit [SAM]) is a 27-item self-report measure assessing self-consciousness. Previous studies have shown poor fit for the proposed two-factor structure, assessing private and public self-consciousness. We assessed the factor structure of the German version in order to develop and validate a short-form, with the goals of improving model fit and providing a brief version for use in research and clinical practice. Method: Participants were 2,326 adults representative of the German general population, divided using random selection to attain two comparable samples: Sample A and Sample B. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used with Sample A for item selection. The new short-form was evaluated in Sample B, examining structural validity, measurement invariance, and convergent validity with measures assessing quality of life, well-being, neuroticism, and stress. Results: Results support a two-factor hierarchical model for the 12-item short-form, which demonstrates full measurement invariance across gender, age, and education-level. Positive correlations were found between self-consciousness, quality of life, well-being, and chronic stress. Discussion: Results support the use of the SAM-SF to provide a total score, as well as subscale scores for private and public self-consciousness.