Looking through a glass onion: Exploring the validity of eye-tracking technology in capturing self-directed attention

• I-ME paradigm measures self-directed attention using screens and eye-tracking. • A new measure of self-focus combines gaze duration and depth of gaze metrics. • Assessed personality traits linked with self-directed attention via I-ME. • Findings support I-ME’s relevance in assessing maladaptive self-directed attention. • Self-directed attention is linked to social anxiety, narcissism, self-absorption. Self-directed attention is a central aspect in most psychological models in the clinical, social and personality literature. However, precise measures of self-directed attention are lacking. Building on recent methodological developments, the present study (N=104) provides an exploratory assessment of the Incidental Mirror Exposure (I-ME) paradigm combining reflective screens with eye-tracking devices to measure self-directed attention. Personality traits associated with self-directed attention were assessed to evaluate the theoretical validity of basic oculometric measures. We additionally suggest a novel measure of self-focus integrating time spent looking at the self-reflecting area of the screen and depth of the gaze looking through the screen. Results underline the relevance of eye-tracking paradigms to capture maladaptive self-directed attention such as social anxiety, vulnerable narcissism, and self-absorption.