Lecture 12: Self and Identity

Question 1

What good is a self concept

Answer 1

• a memory aid
• a guide for decisions
• motivates behaviour

Question 2

ideal and ought selves

Answer 2

• ideal: we get our sense of value/self worth from pursuing our own goals (failure = sadness and disappointment)(oriented toward gains)
• ought: if we get our sense of value/worth from what others think of us, others are setting standards for you (failure = shame, guilt, anxiety)(oriented toward safety/responsibility and avoid loss)

Question 3

social identity

Answer 3

• the self that others see of you
• Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development (adolescence is a time to forage an identity)
• there is some freedom in selecting our social identity but also social and cultural influences

Question 4

who are you: continuity and contrast

Answer 4

• when asked who are you
• continuity: some things remain stable (you can grow but the same is true today as last year)
• contrast: what makes you unique, diffferent (part of a group but also unique)

Question 5

identity narrative

Answer 5

• what is the story of your life
• evolving story of self each person craft to provide their life with purpose (agency) and unity (coherence)
• stories eaves together major experiences/pivotal events into a coherent whole
• how have these experiences shaped you
• coherence -= life satisfaction