Scale Analysis

The Other As Shamer Scale (OAS) is a psychometric tool developed to measure an individual’s perception of how they believe others see and judge them. The scale consists of 11 statements that assess the individual’s perceptions of criticism, contempt, and devaluation they believe they receive from others. Each statement is rated using a Likert scale, allowing participants to express the degree of agreement or disagreement with each item. Higher scores indicate a greater sense of shame and concern about being criticized by others. This scale is useful for understanding the social and psychological impact of shame and perceived criticism from others, especially in clinical and research settings.

Purpose of the Scale

The goal of this particular scale is to assess the internalized sense of shame that arises from an individual’s perception of how they are viewed and judged by others. Specifically, the scale aims to capture the extent to which a person feels that others look down on, criticize, or devalue them. Through the questions, the individual’s concerns and fears about social acceptance and their image in the eyes of others are recorded. The use of this scale is especially important in clinical and research applications, as it provides valuable data for understanding the social and psychological factors that affect self-esteem and mental health. By understanding these perceptions, effective intervention strategies can be developed to reduce shame and social isolation.

Scale Scoring

The OASS-18 consists of 18 items, which are rated as follows:
0 = Never
1 = Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often
4 = Almost Always

References

Allan, S., Gilbert, P., & Goss, K. (1994). An exploration of shame measures: II: Psychopathology. Personality and Individual Differences, 17, 719–722.
Goss, K., Gilbert, P., & Allan, S. (1994). An exploration of shame measures: I: The ‘other as shamer’ scale. Personality and Individual Differences, 17, 713–717.