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The theory of objective self-awareness was developed to better understand the reasons why people conform their beliefs and behaviors to the larger society. Theoretically, in any given situation where people feel that attention is focused on them they might negatively evaluate their most distinguishing personal characteristics. People with visible disabilities frequently experience stigma during social interaction because of the salient differences that distinguish them from the majority and, as a result, stand a greater risk of continually experiencing stigma. Social stigma is defined as a socially constructed phenomenon that may serve as a constant reminder to persons with visible disabilities that society views them as "different" and devalues them as a result. The purpose of this article is the conceptual integration of the theory of objective self-awareness with the immediate and long-term implications of stigma on persons with visible disabilities.
Does self-consciousness affect how a person thinks or behaves in different situations? Social scientists and psychologists have studied this question for over a century and many have said, "yes, it does" (Cooley, 1902; James, 1890; Mead, 1934). For instance, giving a presentation, interviewing for a job, and inviting someone on a date are all common situations that will likely cause a person to feel more self-aware and sometimes self-critical (cf. Silvia & Duval, 2001; Duval & Wicklund, 1972). After such an event, the person may feel quite negatively about his or her appearance and performance. "I was terrible!" "Now they will never hire me!" "I looked foolish!"
It has been exhaustively discussed among scholars that inherent to such self-conscious events lies a "fulcrum" of awareness that balances a person directly between the anxiety-provoking experience of self as both object and subject. Rollo May (1967) fittingly referred to this experience as the "human dilemma", and asserted that such dual- awareness [of self as object and subject] is a necessary element to gratification in life. Perception of approval from others can lead to increased confidence and self-esteem, while perception of disdain or negative evaluation can produce the opposite results. People in general receive varying degrees of positive and negative appraisal, but does this dilemma of self-awareness impact a person differently when others can see that the person has a disability? From past experiences many people can...