According to Self-Awareness Theory, focusing on oneself leads to what?

Self-Awareness Theory posits that when individuals focus on themselves, they engage in a reflective process where they evaluate their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors against internal standards or personal values. This introspection can lead to insights about how closely aligned their behavior is with their beliefs and desires.

By assessing oneself, people are more likely to recognize discrepancies between their current behavior and their ideal self, which can motivate them to change their behavior to match their internal standards. This theory supports the notion that self-focused attention can promote self-regulatory behaviors, leading to personal growth and alignment with one's values.

The other options do not accurately capture the main implications of self-awareness. For instance, focusing on oneself does not inherently increase narcissistic tendencies; rather, it can foster self-improvement. Decreasing self-reflection contradicts the concept of self-awareness, as the essence of this theory is about elevating self-reflection rather than diminishing it. Lastly, a preference for external validation is more associated with individuals who lack solid external self-concepts, while self-awareness typically focuses on internal standards rather than seeking external validation.