self & Identity Flashcards
what is a self concept:
A knowledge structure that contains things (experiences, attributes, hopes) about you
what is an identity?
- who you are (name, gender, ethnicity)
why is having a self concept a good thing?
- helps our memory, We are better at remembering things that relate to our self-concept than things that are not
- helps us make decisions, Helps us decide what direction/choices to make
- motivates behaviour, for example achieve who you want to be
- provides a criteria upon which to evaluate our selves
what is a possible self?
- it’s a self that you want to become or fear of becoming
what is a proximal possible self?
it is a possible self that we can achieve in the near future ( next few months or years)
what is a distal possible self?
it is a possible self that we can achieve but in the distant future ( next 10 or 20 years)
possible selves can?
- represents what goals to achieve and avoid
- what behaviours we should do or avoid
- compare our current and future self and if we are moving forward towards it or not
- Provide a focus & organization for the pursuit
of goals
what is an ought self?
represents the ideal self that we think we should be, based on societal and cultural expectations such as being responsible, hardworking, kind, or successful.
- can cause shame, guilt & anxiety
what is an ideal self?
a concept related to the way we think about ourselves and the version of ourselves that we aspire to become. It represents the best version of ourselves that we envision in terms of our personal goals and aspirations.
- can cause disappointment & sadness
Ideal self and ought self are guides for?
for behaviour in pursuit of goals
if I deal is prominent then:
- oriented towards gains (achieving positive outcomes)
if Ought is prominent then:
- oriented towards responsibility and safety (avoid negative outcomes) such as loss or failure
when does a child recognize themselves?
at 18 months old
at 18-24 months a child can:
- know he/she looks like
– uses pronouns
– pretend play (what is real, not real)
– learns rules of behaviour, what is expected
at 2-3 yrs a child can:
learns about own sex & age
at ages 3-12 a child can:
know what am I (not) good at?
– social comparisons (I’m better than you at …)
– private self-concept (I know things others don’t)
teens can:
perspective taking
– what do others think of me?
if I have a clear self concept then:
higher self-esteem, less anxiety & depression, higher conscientiousness
difference between self concept and social identity?
self-concept is how you think about yourself,
social identity is the self that others see of you
when asked who are you? we..
end to describe demographics, social roles, possible selves
what is continuity?
some things remain stable
– you are the same ‘you’ today as yesterday, last year
– but you also change (grow/mature)
what is contrast?
what makes you unique, different
– part of a group, but also distinct (your unique skills, abilities, likes)
