Abstract
Objectives: This research uses a new, semi-idiographic measure of shame in adolescence, the Shame Scale for Adolescents (SSA), to measure shame-proneness in adolescence and assess the experience of shame in adolescence. The new measure is validated against an established measure, and then gender differences in shame and links between shame and social anxiety are considered. Method: Using a community sample of adolescents, data was gained from 642 participants to validate the SSA using factor analysis (including data from 219 participants collected by colleagues). Of these participants, 423 also completed 5 other questionnaires, and data was gained from them to conduct correlations and t-tests to consider the relationship between shame and other relevant constructs, and also to look into gender differences. Participants were debriefed following completion of the questionnaires and also sent information following completion of the research. Results: The factor analysis resulted in a 19-item version of the SSA which consists of 3 factors: Negative Evaluation of Self, Outward Expression, and Internalised Affect. These factors delineate the subscales of the SSA. The SSA was found to be reliable and valid in this sample, when compared against the Test of Self-Conscious Affect for Adolescents (TOSCA-A) and other measures of affect, self-esteem and anger. Shame in adolescence was found to be associated with all types of anxiety and girls were found to be more shame-prone, or more likely to report shame, than boys. Conclusions: This study has provided evidence to support the reliability, validity and utility of the SSA in future research and clinical practice. Expected associations with low self-esteem, negative affect, anger and anxiety were evident, and gender differences in proneness, reporting and/or experience of shame were indicated. There are many promising areas for future research into shame in adolescence in which the SSA could be effectively employed.