The Self

Question 1

Unique
Freewill
Self- Concept
Ideal Self
Self Esteem
Self Actualisation

Answer 1

• A one off which is different to everything else; an individual is unique
• Freewill is the ability to make decisions uninfluenced by other factors
• Self concept is what someone thinks of their actual self
• Ideal self is the person someone wants to be
• Self esteem is a measure of how much we value ourselves
• Self actualisation is an inborn drive to fulfil our potential

Question 2

Core Theory, Humanistic Theory

Answer 2

• We all have freewill and are unique with potential to self actualise
• Past should not be dwelled on, focus should be on the present
• Our self concept depends on reflection and feedback of others
• Hierarchy of needs must be met before we self actualise
• Need high self esteem through UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD

Question 3

Unconditional Positive Regard

Answer 3

Is when love is constantly shown without certain conditions having to be met

Question 4

Criticisms of Core theory

Answer 4

• Is difficult to measure objectively as people may not accurately measure their self esteem or assess their ideal self
• Too much focus on individual which makes the self unpredictable, defying point of psychology
• Ignores genetic factors, research shows a segment of a persons development comes from genes

Question 5

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs

Answer 5

• Basic needs; food, drink, sleep
• Safety and security; health is maintained
• Social needs; family and friends presence
• Self esteem; respect to other and respect by others
• Self actualisation; begin to feel unique and social

Question 6

Alternative Theory, Eysencks Trait Theory

Answer 6

• Believes our personality has a genetic basis
• Argues we can predict ourselves with the use of 2 scales, EXTRAVERSION (extrovert=social, out going or introvert=quiet reserved) and NEUROTICISM (unstable=worrying, emotional or stable= calm,secure)

Question 7

Core study, Van Houtte and Jarvis

Answer 7

Aim: To see if pet ownership impacts adolescent personality and self
Procedure: Sample of 130 pupils (boys + girls mainly white americans aged 8-13) from Illinois were selected.
Pupils were divided into 2 groups, pet owner and non pet owners, Then matched on 3 aspects parents marital status, parents income and amount of siblings
Data collected using scales measuring autonomy, self esteem and concept with attachment to animal
Results: Higher self esteem in pet owners, 11 year olds had positive self concept and higher autonomy in pet owners for all ages
Conclusion: Pet ownership impacts adolescent personality

Question 8

Autonomy

Answer 8

A personality trait characterised by independence and personal achievement

Question 9

Criticisms of core study

Answer 9

• Cannot be generalised for all ages because only adolescents were used
• Demand characteristics may have been shown as participants were debriefed
• Quantitative data for a brief scale was used which is unsuitable for complex ideas of the self so findings may be unreliable

Question 10

Application into real life

Answer 10

Can be used in counselling eg Depression Counselling
Client is encouraged to think of themselves differently from a client centred approach
-Counsellor should give unconditional positive regard
-Shouldnt judge the client and give empathy
-Closes the gap between self concept and ideal self