Self-Evaluation, Videotape Review, and Dysphoria

Abstract

Despite dramatic growth in the use of videotape replay in clinical and educational settings, not much is known about how people process information gained from watching themselves on videotape. There is some indication that videotape feedback poses a potential for negative as well as positive impact. Little research exists on the circumstances and individual characteristics which determine the reactions to and effectiveness of videotape review techniques, however. The present study tested hypotheses derived from video review literature and self-awareness theory regarding the effects of viewing oneself on videotape. Forty-six subjects participated in a mock job interview which was videotaped. Approximately 4 days later they evaluated their performance in the interview based on (1) their recollection of the interview, or (2) a review of the videotape. Dysphoric subjects who viewed a videotape of their interview were more critical of their performance than dysphoric subjects who simply recalled their interview; they were also more critical than nondysphoric subjects in either condition. The overly critical self-evaluation during videotape review appears to be specific to individuals who are dysphoric.