The Self

Define ‘self’

Our ‘self’ is what we are that separates us from others. It is our thoughts and emotions about who we are.

Self-concept refers to…

How we see ourselves based on how others see us and our own beliefs.

What is the existential self?

Awareness that we have an existence that is separate from others.

What is the categorical self?

Awareness that we are seen by others by means of categories, such as age, gender, height or different roles.

What is self-image?

How we see ourselves

What is self-esteem?

How far we value ourselves

What is the ideal self?

How we would like to be.

Incongruence is…

If what we think we should be (ideal self), from cultural and social views, doesn’t match how we see ourselves (self-image), then we get a state of incongruence. Self-actualisation is not possible.

Congruence is…

If our idea of the ideal self matches our self-image, we are in a state of congruence, and self-actualisation is possible.

Self-actualisation is…

Achieving one’s potential. This is the goal of the individual.

What was Erikson’s (1959) Eight stages of Identity Development?

He believed we develop through eight challenges or opportunities, each of which occurs at a particular age. Erikson said that psychological problems can arise if we don’t develop through ‘normal’ stages. There is importance of other people in development and in each stage there may be confusion if the challenge isn’t achieved.

Strengths of Erikson’s theory

• Erikson emphasised the role of culture and society in shaping personality and identity, making the theory adaptable and relevant across different cultures.

• Practical application - It’s widely used in fields like education, social work, and counselling to support healthy identity development.

• ‘Identity or Identity Confusion’ captures the emotional and psychological challenges faced by adolescents and why teenagers often explore different roles, beliefs and relationships and may also struggle with identity confusion.

Weaknesses of Erikson’s theory

• Too vague and broad - The stages/ conflicts are described in a general way without clear, measurable criteria. The theory cannot be tested scientifically.

• Western Cultural Bias - His ideas were based on Western, individualistic societies, where personal identity and independence are value. So, the theory may not apply to collectivist cultures, where group identity and family roles are more important.

• No Individual Differences - The theory assumes that everyone goes through stages in the same, fixed order and at similar ages. In reality, people may revisit or skip stages based on life experiences or cultural expectations.

What was Baumeister’s (2008) theory about?

Baumeister believed that free will allows people to make conscious decisions which helps form their identity.