The Individual Module 4 Chapter 13 Approaches to the Self

perspective talking

The ability to take the perspective of others, or to see oneself as others do, to step outside oneself and imagine how one appears to other people.

A final unfolding of the self-concept, during the teen years.

self-scheme

The cognitive representation of the self-concept. Networks of associated building blocks of the self-concept.

e.g., intelligent: being curious, open to new experiences, and willing to learn.

possible selves

The many ideas people have about who they might become, who they hope to become, or who they fear they will become.

ought self

A person’s understanding of what others want them to be.

Built on what people take as their responsibilities and commitments to others - what they ought to do.

self-guides

Standards that one uses to organise information and motivate appropriate behaviour.

self-discrepancy

• If one’s real self or actual self does not fit one’s ideal self, then one will feel guilt, despondent, and dissapointed.

• If one’s real self does not fit one’s ought self, then one will feel distressed and anxious.