The Self & Well-being

Question 1

What is the self? Sabat (2001): Three selves

Answer 1

1) Singlular self- I am me and will always be me.
2) Characteristics (eg. beliefs, likes & dislikes)- ay change slightly but essentially maintained.
3) Socially constructed and publicly presented self (eg. roles within work, family)- the way you present yourself in certain situations.

Question 2

Managing socially presented self

Answer 2

Self promotion - highlighting aspects of yourself that you think are positive.

Self-verification perspective:
- negotiating with others for them to agree with views of ourself.
- prefer to be with people who verify our views.
- self-deprecating tactics to achieve this.
Ellison et al, 2006- online we may present more ideal version of ourself.

Question 3

Social identity theory

Answer 3

Personal vs social identity continuum.
Comparing the group you are in to others- depends on context.
Personal: think of ourself as individuals; intragroup comparison.
Social: members of specific social groups; intergroup comparison- highlight what we share with others and differentiate us from other groups.
Where we are on the spectrum will influence how we think about ourselves.

Question 4

Situational factors alter how we define ourselves

Answer 4

Numerous selves- could for juxtaposition (eg. social when on a night out, academic when at uni).
Could all be correct and accurately predict behaviour.
Patrick et al, 2004- tend to maintain coherent image.

Question 5

Social context is important

Answer 5

Personal traits that are universal, but some characteristics vary based on context.
Post 1980 preference for unique baby names- emphasise individualistic traits (Twenge, 2010).

Self-construal: context influence how we categorise ourself and this depends on how we respond to others.
Guimond et al (2007)- when asked to rate levels of insecurity compared to opposite genders, woman said insecure and men said not. In intragroup context there was no difference.

Question 6

Which self is prevalent?

Answer 6

Depends on: context; if trait/identity they are proud of (triggered more frequently); how we are referred (nouns or verbs).

Question 7

Self is impacted by treatment of others

Answer 7

Kitwood 1997: the way people are treated and how one reacts to this reflect on themselves.

• 17 malignant interactions (eg. outpacing, ignoring).
• 12 positive categories (validation, recognition)- can help construct self of self.
• Some people embrace these and want to be treated differently- can lead to extreme behaviour to be recognised as different.

Question 8

Past & future selves

Answer 8

Compare past and present selves to feel good- idea that you’re constructing an improved self from previously.
When asked to write about blameworthy time, it was further in the past than when writing about praiseworthy time.

See future self as role model- must be achievable.

Question 9

Self & wellbeing: self esteem

Answer 9

Overall attitude of oneself.

• range from positive to negative.
• Rosenberg scale 1965 for evaluation.
• people in minority groups often have lower self esteem.
• influenced by others- during adolescence.
• can be detrimental- if one with high self esteem is knocked, may have negative impacts (defensive).
• difference in men and women (eg. workplace, culture).

Question 10

Evaluation of self

Answer 10

Impact on self esteem and well being:

• Social comparison theory- compare to others and either make you feel better or worse.
• Maintenance model- tend to favour friendships with people similar to us (dependent o whether we view at individual level or group- eg. better player could make football team overall better).

Question 11

Stereotyped self

Answer 11

Impact on perceived well-being, people performance and learning ability: attempt to conceal stereotype if people fear their devalued group membership will be discovered (eg. dementia patients).

Countering effect: highlight stereotype-defying accomplishments of role models; reaffirm other positive worth of a person.

Question 12

Achieving happiness in self

Answer 12

People are generally happy in life- 80% of large surveys.

Happiness factors:

• good social relations.
• goals and resources (personal, economic).
• income (wealth not necessary linked with positive feelings).
• value what we have.

Question 13

Benefits of well being

Answer 13

Higher well-being & happiness: better work outcomes; social relationship; health.
Increasing happiness: 40 % of happiness is thoughts and actions that can be changed; set upward spiral; build relationships/skills.