EXAMINING THE LINKS BETWEEN SHAME, SELF-REASSURANCE, AND FEAR OF FAILURE IN SINGAPORE EMERGING ADULTS

Abstract

This paper studies fear of failure (FOF) and how it correlates with internal (IS) and external shame (ES). We define FOF as a multidimensional concept and study FOF on two levels – the level of the facets (faceted FOF) and the level of the composite (general FOF). Additionally, moderation and mediation analyses are conducted to see whether: (1) self-reassurance moderates the relationship between shame and FOF, and (2) IS mediates the relationship between ES and FOF. Data was collected from 323 undergraduates via a questionnaire. Results found: (1) both IS and ES are equally correlated to general FOF, (2) ES is significantly more strongly correlated to the fear of important others losing interest (FIOLI) than IS, (3) IS mediates the relationship between ES and general FOF, and (4) self-reassurance moderates the relationship between IS and general FOF only, but it moderates the relationships between IS and faceted FOF, as well as ES and faceted FOF. This research suggests that there is value in studying faceted FOF, because results differ from general FOF. Additionally, this paper found a mediation relationship between IS and ES, suggesting there is value to study them together to provide clearer insight on their combined influence on FOF.