The Social Self Flashcards
What is the self
The self is a concept – a set of beliefs and perceptions you have about yourself
Self influences how we think, feel and behave
Self-Reference Effect
The tendency to RECALL information that applies to the self
Implicit Egotism
Unconscious tendency to prefer people or things that resemble the self
Actual self
The self you actually are
Ideal self
Self you aspire to be
Ought self
Self you think you should be
Self Discrepancy Theory
Experience discrepancies between our actual self and either our ideal self and our ought self
Self Discrepancy Theory: feel dejection
Actual self – ideal self discrepancy
Self Discrepancy Theory: feel anxiety
Actual self – ought self discrepancy
Looking Inward
Introspection
Examine the content of our thoughts and feelings
Look inside we make mistakes, guess or give what we assume are plausible or socially desirable answers
Looking Outward
Look to the outside world
Think about how we are perceived and viewed by other people and groups of people
Looking-glass self
Similar social comparison
Someone similar provides the most accurate feedback
Upward social comparison
Someone ‘superior’ makes us feel worse, but can provide important information about how to improve
Downward social comparison
Someone ‘inferior’ can boost our egos, but not provide valuable info on how to improve
Self-Esteem
Positive or negative overall evaluation we have of ourselves
What is self-esteem associated with
Positive outcomes
Ex. achievements, satisfaction with life, physical health
What are the Dangers to High Self-Esteem
Psychopaths have inflated sense of self-worth
Alcohol increases self-esteem and aggression
Murders and rapists have inflated self view
Gang members are most violent when they are disrespected or threatened
Narcissism
Independent view of the self
Fundamental task of socialization is to help children learn independence
Not overlapping with others
Western culture
Interdependent view of the self
Blending with group is important
In many Eastern, African and Latin cultures
How Do We Present Ourselves to Others
We try to control how others see us
We may present ourselves differently in public and in private
What are the benefits of strategically presenting ourselves
Self-monitoring
May help us to get what we want and maintain valued relationships
Self-monitoring
Change self to the situation
What are the endangers of strategically presenting ourselves
Many people try to get a suntan because they believe it makes them look attractive, even though it causes skin cancer
Many young people smoke cigarettes in the effort to look ‘cool’ in front of others
Some people resist wearing helmets when riding bicycles in order to look brave or to avoid messing up their hair
Self-Handicapping
Tendency to engage in self-defeating behaviour to prevent others from assuming that poor performance is due to lack of ability
Ex. Stay up late partying before an exam
