Self-consciousness

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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Self-awareness. (Discuss)

This page is on self-esteem, for consciousness of one's existence, see Self-awareness.

Eye contact stimulates self-consciousness

Self-consciousness is an acute sense of self-awareness, with slight tinges of paranoia. It is the unpleasant feeling of being watched or observed, that "everyone is looking at" one. It may be the basis of shyness.

1 Impairment
2 Psychology
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Impairment

When one is feeling self-conscious, one becomes aware of even the smallest of one's own actions. Such awareness can impair one's ability to perform complex actions. For example, a piano player may "choke", lose confidence, and even lose the ability to perform the moment they notice the audience. As self-consciousness fades one may regain the ability to "lose one's self".

A person especially prone to self-consciousness may be labeled shy or introverted.

[edit] Psychology

As consciousness is itself poorly understood, so too is self-consciousness.

It is a unique type of consciousness in that it is not always present, and it is not sought after. Unlike self-awareness, self-consciousness has connotations of being unpleasant, and is often linked to self-esteem. Self-consciousness is credited with the development of identity, because it is during periods of self-consciousness that people come the closest to knowing themselves objectively. Self-consciousness plays a large role in behavior, as it is common to act differently when people "lose themselves in a crowd". Self-consciousness affects people in varying degrees, as some people are in constant self-monitoring, while others are completely oblivious about themselves.

[edit] See also

Surveillance

[edit] References

McGaughey, William (2001). Rhythm and Self-Consciousness: New Ideals for an Electronic Civilization. Minneapolis: Thistlerose Publications. ISBN 0-9605630-4-0.