Abstract
Self-censorship is defined as intentionally and voluntarily withholding information from others in absence of formal obstacles. We conducted cross-sectional and longitudinal research to develop a quantitative measure of individuals’ Self-Censorship Orientation (SCO) and investigated its correlates and outcomes in the context of the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Stage 1 investigated the factor structure of the scale and its convergent and discriminant validity in a representative sample (N = 499). Findings revealed two negatively related factors representing preferences for self-censorship and for disclosure of information. The factors were distinct from measures of similar constructs and correlated as expected with variables representing conservatism, ingroup commitment and universalistic values. In Stage 2, participants were re-surveyed five months later to establish test-retest reliability and predictive validity. SCO factors assessed at Stage 1 predicted readiness to conceal or reveal information portraying the ingroup’s conduct in the conflict negatively beyond all Stage 1 measures. The SCO scale provides a reliable and valid instrument for future investigations of self-censorship and its individual and societal implications.
Highlights
Self-censorship is an intentional voluntary choice to withhold information from others, even when no formal obstacles prevent the dissemination of this information.Why was this study done? The research aimed to develop a questionnaire that may assess people’s tendency to self-censor, or Self-Censorship Orientation (SCO)
The findings showed that support for self-censorship during OPD was predicted by Right Wing Authoritarianism (RWA), ethnocentrism, siege mentality, and political orientation assessed prior to the operation, and was negatively related to support for conciliatory measures assessed after the operation
The first group was used to derive a preliminary version of the scale by means of exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the second group was used to confirm this version of the scale using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)
Summary
The research aimed to develop a questionnaire that may assess people’s tendency to self-censor, or Self-Censorship Orientation (SCO). We were interested in individual characteristics that may be related to SCO and the outcomes that this orientation might predict in a context of protracted inter-group conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the first stage of the research, we administered the measure of SCO and measures of other relevant individual characteristics to a representative sample of Jewish Israelis. The findings revealed that the SCO scale can assess two dimensions: the tendency to self-censor and the tendency to disclose information. The scores on these dimensions were related to conservatism, commitment to one’s group and universalistic values. SCO scores from the first stage were able to predict the readiness to conceal or reveal this information
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
