Social Psyc Chapter 5: The Self

What is the self-concept, and how does it develop?

• Schema about yourself

• Develops over the lifespan

• 18–24 months: Self-recognition

• Adolescence: Social identity

What are the three functions of the self-concept?

• Organizes self-relevant information

• Helps us relate to the social world; sense of agency

• Motivates us

Independent vs. interdependent self-concept?

• Independent (individualist): Self = separate, autonomous; individual needs; being consistent

• Interdependent (collectivist): Self = connected to others (relational); needs of group/others; maintaining harmony

• Cross: Independent = SAME traits across contexts; interdependent = DIFFERENT traits

What are the three selves in self-discrepancy theory?

• Actual self: How you see yourself NOW

• Ought self: How you feel others think you SHOULD be

• Ideal self: How you wish you were

What emotions result from self-discrepancies?

• Actual–Ideal: Dejection-related emotions → sadness, depression (low arousal)

• Actual–Ought: Agitation-related emotions → guilt, anxiety (high arousal)

What happens when self-awareness increases?

• Increased self-awareness makes discrepancies more salient

• If easy to reduce: Change self/behavior

• If hard to reduce: Escape self-awareness

What did the "Trick or Treat" study demonstrate?

Children exposed to a mirror were less likely to take extra candy.

Increased self-awareness → greater attention to internal standards.

What are the two sources of self-knowledge?

• Look inward: Introspection, self-perception, (mis)attribution of arousal

• Look outward: Social comparison

What is self-perception theory?

When attitudes/feelings are uncertain or ambiguous, we infer them by observing our own behavior and the situation.

What is the two-factor theory of emotion?

1. Physiological arousal

2. Cognitive explanation/label

Arousal + explanation → experienced emotion.

What did the bridge study demonstrate?

Men approached on a scary bridge were more likely to call an attractive woman than men approached after resting.

What is social comparison theory?

• Compare ourselves to others to evaluate our abilities/attitudes

• Goal: Accuracy — "How am I doing?"

• Objective info preferred; compare to similar others for accuracy

What is self-esteem? State vs. trait?

• Self-esteem: Attitude about "Me"

• State SE: Varies across domains & situations

• Trait SE: Average level = relatively constant

Stable vs. unstable self-esteem?

• Stable SE: Clearly defined, consistent self-concept

• Unstable SE: Less clear self-concept; SE contingent on other things

What are the cultural variations in self-esteem?

Interdependent cultures show lower SE on standard assessments and self-enhance less

What are the ways to maintain/protect self-esteem?

1. Reduce self-awareness

2. Self-serving cognitions: Attributions, false consensus, positive illusions

3. Downward social comparison

4. Associate with successful others

When do people use downward comparison vs. associating with successful others?

• Downward comparison: Compare to someone worse; more likely for traits/abilities important to us

• Associating with successful others: More likely in domains unimportant to us

What is narcissism, and how does it relate to self-esteem?

• Grandiose sense of self + lack of concern for others

• Intrapersonally: Low depression, low anxiety

• Interpersonally: Manipulative; low relationship commitment

• Vulnerable narcissism: Hostile/violent if insulted; high, unstable SE