Self-Concept & Self-Knowledge

Self-Concept

The total beliefs you have about yourself and can communicate to other people.

Working Self

A subset of the self that is activated in a specific situation.

Self-Concept multi-faceted

Each person can have many selves, guided by self-schemas.

Self-Schemas

Mental structures that guide the processing of self-relevant information.

Self-Complexity

The degree to which people have multiple, distinct selves.

Pros of High Self-Complexity

Resilience to stress, adaptability, emotional stability, enhanced problem-solving.

Cons of High Self-Complexity

Role conflict, identity confusion, emotional spillover, cognitive load.

Ways to discover self-knowledge

1. Introspection

2. Perceptions of behavior

3. Memories and life experiences

4. Social comparisons (upward vs. downward)

5. Culture (individualism vs. collectivism).

1) Introspection

Self-reflection on thoughts and emotions shapes self-awareness

2) Perceptions of our behavior

Observing actions informs our self-concept.

3) Memories & objective life experiences

Past events define and ground identity

4) Social comparisons

Upwards vs. Downward comparisons

5) Culture

Individualism —> “Independent” self-concept

Collectivism —> “Interdependent” self-concept

Self-Awareness Theory (Wicklund et al., 1972)

Self-focused attention makes us focus on our faults and leads to either escaping or changing ourselves.

Ways self-awareness can be created

1. Through the situation

2. Through personality characteristics.

Private Self-Consciousness

Focusing on inner thoughts, emotions, and personal values.

Risk of high private self-consciousness

Overthinking and self-doubt when internal standards aren’t met.

Public Self-Consciousness

Focusing on how one is perceived by others and seeking external validation.

Risk of high public self-consciousness

Anxiety, social conformity, and a higher likelihood of using substances to manage public pressure.

Self-Monitoring

Being aware of and adjusting your behavior, emotions, and self-presentation based on social cues.

High Self-Monitors behavior

They adapt their behavior to fit in or impress others based on social cues.

Low Self-Monitors behavior

They act consistently across situations, guided by internal beliefs rather than social expectations.