The Social Self (02)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and theories from Week 2 of PYB202 Social Psychology: The Social Self.

Self-Concept

The total of beliefs/thoughts about oneself; a collection of self-schemas.

Self-Schema

Beliefs about oneself that guide the processing of self-relevant information.

Self-Perception Theory (Bem, 1972)

We justify our attitudes and feelings by observing our own behaviours when interna cues are weak.

Intrinsic Motivation

Doing an activity out of interest, enjoyment, or challenge.

Extrinsic Motivation

Doing an activity to obtain external rewards or avoid punishments (e.g., money, grades).

Over-Justification Effect

The tendency for intrinsic motivation to diminish when an activity is rewarded with external incentives.

Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954)

When uncertain about our abilities or opinions, we evaluate ourselves by comparing with others.

Upward Comparison

Comparing oneself to someone better off, often lowering self-evaluation.

Downward Comparison

Comparing oneself to someone worse off, often boosting self-evaluation.

Independent Self-Construal

Defining self through internal traits & personal goals; typical of Western cultures.

Interdependent Self-Construal

Defining self through relationships & group memberships; typical of many non-Western cultures.

Self-Esteem

Overall evaluation of one’s self-worth; varies in level and stability.

Sociometer Theory

Self-esteem functions as a gauge to understand the level of social inclusion and approval you are at

Terror Management Theory

Self-esteem buffers anxiety about fear of death by upholding cultural world-views that provide meaning.

Self-Awareness Theory (Carver, 2003)

Being self-aware leads us to compare ourselves with our internal standards and may cause discomfort.

Better-Than-Average Effect

People often see themselves as better than others

Self-Serving Beliefs

Self-enhancing biases to enhance feelings of success, often blaming failres on other factors

Self-Handicapping

Creating obstacles to minimise failure, blaming them on external attribution

Basking in Reflected Glory (BIRG)

Enhancing self-esteem by associating with successful others or groups.

Contingencies of Self-Worth

Domains (family support, appearance, academics) on which one’s self-esteem is based; external contingencies are most fragile.

Self-Affirmation Theory (Steele, 1988)

Affirming core values protects the self from threat and reduces defensiveness.

Self-Transcendence (Crocker et al., 2008)

Rising above yourself to focus on something greater, finding deeper meaning in life, and making people less defensive as it shifts people away from their ego.

Self-Compassion (Neff, 2003)

Kind, non-judgmental understanding of one’s suffering as part of the shared human experience.

Self-Promotion

Strategic acts to emphasise one’s competence, capability and achievements.

Ingratiation

Strategic acts to be liked, such as flattery or highlighting similarities. (d-riding)

High self-Monitoring

Regulating behaviour based on social demand,

Can adapt to situations by reading the room.

Low self-monitors

Stays consistent across social situations

Is more authentic to their true selves, but less flexible

Dual Promotion

To increase perceived warmth and competence

The idea is that self-enhancement and self-verification can happen at the same time.

Self-Verification

The desire to be seen by others the way you see yourself, even if it’s not all positive. Because it feels stable and honest (feels comfortable)

Self-Enhancement

The desire to be seen positively, to feel good about yourself and look good to others