Blushing Propensity Scale

Background:

As blushing diffuses the likelihood of negative evaluations (and thus potential rejection) when an individual’s status in a valued group is in jeopardy, people who are particularly concerned with others’ evaluations and with their social relationships should be prone to blush.

Psychometrics:

For psychometrics see article: Leary, M. R., & Meadows, S. (1991). Predictors, elicitors, and concomitants of social blushing. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60, 254-262.

Author of Tool:

Leary, M. R.

Key references:

Primary use / Purpose:

Measures an individual’s propensity for blushing.

Blushing Propensity Scale

Indicate how often you feel yourself blush in each of the following situations using the scale below:

• 1 = I NEVER feel myself blush in this situation.
• 2 = I RARELY feel myself blush in this situation.
• 3 = I OCCASIONALLY feel myself blush in this situation.
• 4 = I OFTEN feel myself blush in this situation.
• 5 = I ALWAYS feel myself blush in this situation.

1.    When a teacher calls on me in class
2.    When talking to someone about a personal topic
3.    When I’m embarrassed
4.    When I’m introduced to someone I don’t know
5.    When I’ve been caught doing something improper or shameful
6.    When I’m the center of attention
7.    When a group of people sings Happy Birthday” to me
8.    When I’m around someone I want to impress
9.    When talking to a teacher or boss
10. When speaking in front of a group of people
11. When someone looks me right in the eye
12. When someone pays me a compliment
13. When I’ve looked stupid or incompetent in front of others
14. When I’m talking to a member of the other sex