The influence of videotape feedback on the self-assessments of psychiatric patients.

The effects of videotape feedback on patients' self-perception were assessed in a study which was a partial replication of an investigation reported by Griffiths and Hinkson (1973). Subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups. After a semi-structured interview, they were either (1) shown a videotape of the interview, or (2) shown a videotape of another person being interviewed, or (3) engaged in other activities not involving videotape. Patients' self-ratings indicated that videotape feedback has immediate effects on self-assessments of social ease and physical attractiveness. Feedback produced changes in ratings of social ease, but individuals differed in the direction of the change (i.e. whether social ease was "better" or "worse"). The direction of the change was predicted by a questionnaire measure of response style. Feedback also tended to make patients rate themselves as less attractive in the eyes of other people. All changes were, however, temporary and had disappeared at a two-week follow-up. The results are generally consistent with those reported by Griffiths and Hinkson in that they indicate temporary and specific changes in response to videotape feedback. The implications of the results are discussed.