How does focusing on self affect behavior according to Self-Awareness Theory?

Focusing on oneself according to Self-Awareness Theory indeed prompts critical self-evaluation. When individuals become self-aware, they start to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in relation to their personal standards and societal expectations. This heightened self-awareness can lead to an assessment of how well one is aligning with their values and goals. As a result, people may evaluate their behavior critically and possibly make changes to better align with their standards or rectify discrepancies. This self-evaluation process serves as a motivation for self-improvement and can lead to behavioral changes that enhance personal growth and accountability.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of Self-Awareness Theory. Avoiding personal standards is inconsistent with the theory, as self-awareness typically encourages individuals to confront their standards rather than escape them. Claiming that there is no observable effect contradicts the established understanding that self-awareness actively influences behavior through reflection and evaluation. Additionally, while external comparisons can occur in self-awareness scenarios, the primary effect according to the theory focuses on inner standards and evaluations rather than external benchmarks.