Week 2: The Self

What is a schema

A cognitive structure that represents knowledge about a certain concept or thing

What is self-schema

About yourself
• Comprises attributes +identities central to how we think about ourselves
• Most complex type of schema we have

Benefits of schemas

• Organise information, beliefs, and impressions about ourselves
• Schemas shape our behaviours
• Help us select jobs, hobbies, and make decisions
• Guides attention and memory:
• Self-Reference effect: We encode & remember information better when
we relate it to the self

What is self-perception theory

We gain insight into self by observing, interpreting meaning of, and drawing inferences based on our own behaviour

What is social comparison theory

We learn about ourselves, our attributes & abilities by comparing ourselves with others

What is upwards comparisons in social comparison theory

to improve ourselves. Can be motivating, inspiring OR detrimental, discouraging

What is temporal comparisons in social comparison theory

• Comparing self at two points in time (e.g., present vs. past)
• Upward temporal comparison (present self worse than past self):
Negative perceptions of present self
• Downward temporal comparison (present self better than past self):
Positive perceptions of present self

What is dimensional comparisons in social comparison theory

Comparing self on two domains (e.g., verbal ability vs. math ability)
• Upward dimensional comparison
• (first domain worse than second):
• Negative perceptions of self on first domain
• Downward dimensional comparison
• (first domain better than second):
• Positive perceptions of self on first domain

What is self-discrepancy theory

Self-concept includes self as is + possible selves

What are the three selves in self-discrepancy theory

• Actual self:
• How we think we currently are
• Ought self:
• How we think we should be
• (self-imposed or others’ expectations)
• Ideal self:
• How we would like to be
• (hopes and wishes)

What is social identity theory (SIT)

People get part of their self-esteem and self-image from social groups they join

What is looking-glass self

We gain insight into self by observing & reflecting upon other people’s reactions to us. We see ourselves as others see us… Or more specifically as how we
imagine others see us

What is downward comparisons in social comparison theory

to feel better about ourselves. Can be ego-boosting OR make us aware of potential vulnerabilities

What is the self in social comparison theory

Similar to others → to evaluate ourselves

Actual vs. ideal self

Dejection-related emotions

actual vs. ought self

agitation-related emotions

Normative fit in self-categorization

They can explain why we are behaving in a particular way in any given
context

Structural fit in self-categorization

They can account for similarities or differences between us & others in
any given context

What are the three class of motive influence pursuit of knowledge about self

1. self-assessment

2. self-enhancement

3. self-verification

Consequences of high self-esteem

• Important component of psychological wellbeing
• Predicts happiness
• Self-esteem that is TOO high can be negative

Consequences of low self-esteem

• Self-doubt, self-defeating behaviours
• Prone to depression, anxiety
• Social issues

How to improve self-esteem

• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Psychoeducation
• Support groups
• Positive psychology
• Reminiscence
• Evaluative conditioning
• Art therapy, physical activity

Sociometer theory

Self-esteem is a psychological gauge of the degree to which people perceive they are valued & accepted by others

What is self-determination theory

The self-thrives when three basic psychological needs are supported: Competence, Autonomy, Relatedness

What is the spotlight effect

We care what others think about us and we believe that others think about us a lot - We have a tendency to believe we are being noticed more than we really are. Particularly evident with embarrassing behaviour

Impression management strategies

1. Ingratiation

2. Self-promotion

3. Intimidation

4. Supplication

5. Exemplification

What is self-monitoring

Individual difference in ability to adjust (or concern with adjusting) self-
presentation in response to social/situational cues

What is self-enhancing bias

Tendency to attribute success to internal/dispositional factors

What is self-serving bias

Tendency to attribute failure to external/situational factors

What is self-handicapping

We often claim or create an external impediment to performance if we anticipate failure