| Abstract: | Using a German adaption of Snyder's (1974) Self-Monitoring scale, we show that the scale has two independent facets, which encompass different aspects that are central to the original theoretical concept. Replicated factor analyses of the SM item pool suggest two uncorrelated subscales of equal length. Compared to the total scale, these two subscales are not only more economical and more reliable, but also provide more conceptual clarity, as demonstrated in three validity studies. In particular, the Social Skills subscale taps various self-perceived social and acting skills and is related to uninhibited and spontaneous self-expressions in interpersonal situations. The Inconsistency subscale measures discrepancies between the overt expression of one's feelings, attitudes, and beliefs and the way the person actually experiences them. This scale relates to social anxiety, sensitivity to situational cues, and self-reported situational inconsistency. The two subscales are similar to factors recently identified for the original American scale. Based on this cross-cultural convergence the validity of the current Self-Monitoring research is discussed. |
