Performance perceptions and self-focused attention predict post-event processing after a real-life social performance...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Cognitive models of social anxiety implicate post-event processing (PEP) in maintaining anxiety.
• Most research on PEP has occurred in laboratory settings, limiting generalizability.
• This study aimed to investigate PEP predictors in a naturalistic social performance context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the predictors of post-event processing (PEP) following a real-world social performance.
• To determine if self-focused attention and performance evaluations predict PEP beyond trait and state social anxiety.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-five students completed measures of trait social anxiety.
• Participants rated state anxiety, attentional focus, and performance immediately after an evaluated presentation.
• Post-event processing and performance reappraisal were assessed one week later.

Main Results:

• Negative performance evaluations and self-focused attention during the presentation uniquely predicted PEP.
• Trait and state social anxiety did not predict PEP beyond these factors.
• No evidence supported PEP being linked to biased recall of performance evaluations.

Conclusions:

• Findings support cognitive theories linking social anxiety to negative self-perceptions.
• Self-focused attention and self-evaluative processes are crucial targets for therapeutic interventions.
• PEP in social anxiety is influenced by post-performance cognitions rather than biased memory.