Consciousness and Self Concept

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to consciousness, subception, the structure of the self, real vs. ideal self, and personality development.

What is consciousness?

The part of the phenomenological field that can be verbalised.

What is subception?

Subconscious perception of experiences before they reach awareness.

When does anxiety arise?

When experiences are denied or distorted, creating inconsistency.

What does the phenomenological approach emphasize?

Perceptions, feelings, subjective self-description, self-actualisation, and personal change.

What creates the phenomenological field?

The meanings a person assigns to external experiences.

What is the Self?

The part of the phenomenological field a person identifies as 'me / I / myself.'

What is the self-concept?

A conscious, organised, coherent pattern of perceptions.

Does the 'I' change?

Yes — but it remains integrated and organised.

What is the Real Self?

The self-image consistent with reality.

What is the Ideal Self?

The image a person would most like to have.

What motivates personality development?

The striving toward the Ideal Self.

What does congruence between Real and Ideal Self indicate?

Self-acceptance and personal adjustment.

What does large discrepancy between Real and Ideal Self cause?

Tension, frustration, lack of self-acceptance, poor adjustment.