Shame-Proneness Uniquely Predicts Social Evaluative Symptoms: Considering the Sociometer Theory of Shame

Abstract

Introduction: Whereas the act-person model of shame emphasizes negative self-appraisals, the sociometer theory roots shame in real or imagined social evaluation. If so, shame might increase vulnerability to psychosocial stressors and manifest in social anxiety specifically. We investigated how shame-proneness predicted concurrent symptoms and responses to daily interpersonal stressors. Method: A total of 159 participants (including those meeting anxiety/depression criteria in clinical interviews; n = 58) completed baseline measures of shame- and guilt-proneness, trait negative affect (NA), and social anxiety, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, followed by stressor diaries for 5 weeks (1,923 diaries). Results: Even with NA and guilt-proneness controlled, shame-proneness uniquely predicted concurrent social anxiety and prospectively predicted experiencing social evaluation. Unique links to depression and nonspecific anxiety and worry were less consistent. Discussion: Specificity in shame-social evaluation links supported sociometer theory, Results have implications both for shame theory and clinical practice with shame-prone individuals.