The Self

Self-Concept

A knowledge representation that contains knowledge about ourselves, including our beliefs about our personality traits, physical characteristics, abilities, values, goals, and roles.

Self-Reference Effect

The phenomenon where information processed in relationship to oneself is particularly well remembered.

William James's View on Self

The self contains two aspects: 'I' (self as subject) and 'ME' (self-concept, self as object).

Independent Self-Concept

An identity derived from inner attributes, distinct from relationships, and stable across situations.

Interdependent Self-Concept

A relational entity that is fundamentally connected to important relationships and defined by social roles.

Self-Awareness

The extent to which we are currently fixing our attention on our own self-concept, influencing our behavior and decisions.

Social Comparison

The process of evaluating ourselves in relation to others to learn about our abilities and social status.

Downward Social Comparison

A comparison of oneself to another who does less well, aimed at creating a positive image.

Reflected Glory

The phenomenon where individuals gain self-esteem by associating themselves with successful groups.

Self-Verification Theory

The theory that people seek confirmation of their self-concept, regardless of whether it's positive or negative.

Self-Esteem

The evaluation of oneself as either a positive or negative worth.

Social Identity

The part of an individual's self-concept derived from their membership in social groups.

Self-Presentation

The process of controlling how one is perceived by others.

Self-Regulation

The ability to manage and control one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Identity Crisis

A period of uncertainty and confusion in which a person's sense of self becomes insecure.

Self-Determination Theory

A theory of motivation that emphasizes the role of intrinsic motivation in driving behavior.

Self-Disclosure

The act of revealing personal information to others.

Self-Attribution

The process of inferring the causes of your own behavior.

Collectivism

A cultural value that emphasizes group goals over individual goals.

Individualism

A cultural value that prioritizes individual autonomy and personal achievements.