Chapter 3: Self-Concept

Self-concept

Your stable ideas about who you are; relatively stable and multifaceted.

Johari Window

A model that describes how self-concept is formed through four aspects: open, hidden, blind, and unknown.

Open window

In the Johari Window, aspects of self that I know and everyone else knows.

Hidden window

In the Johari Window, what I know about myself that others do not know.

Blind window

In the Johari Window, what others know about me that I do not recognize.

Unknown window

In the Johari Window, dimensions of myself that no one knows.

Subjective vs. Objective

Subjective refers to personal impressions, while objective refers to factually observable traits.

Self-monitoring

Awareness of how I look, sound, and affect others in social interactions.

Self-fulfilling prophecy

A prediction that causes people to act in ways that make the prediction come true.

Self-esteem

Your subjective evaluation of your value and worth.

Reflected appraisal

The process by which self-concept is influenced by what others think of us.

Social comparisons

Evaluating oneself based on comparisons with others.

Reference groups

The groups we compare ourselves to in social contexts.

Image management

Adjusting behavior to project a desired image to others.

Fellowship face

The desire to be liked, accepted, and included in a group.

Autonomy face

The ability to maintain control over one's own life and resources.

Competence face

The need for others to recognize one’s abilities and skills.

Face-threatening act

An action that damages one's public image or desired identity.

Self-disclosure

The act of intentionally giving others information about oneself.

Social penetration theory

A theory describing the layers of self-disclosure as an onion, measuring depth and breadth.

Norm of reciprocity

Social expectation that favors and resources should be reciprocated in relationships.

Benefits of self-disclosure

Enhancement of relationships, release of emotions, and support from others.

Risks of self-disclosure

Potential rejection, violation of privacy, lack of reciprocity, and putting others off.

Disinhibition effect

The tendency for people to express themselves more freely online than in person.

Public self vs. Self-concept

Public self is the image projected to others, while self-concept is the perception of who I think I am.

Complex image management

The management of multiple identities in different contexts, which can sometimes conflict.

Dramaturgy

The metaphor that views life as a performance where individuals play roles in front of different audiences.