self
Self and Self-Concept
Schema of Self
A mental representation organizing thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about oneself.
Descriptors often include:
"I am"
"I usually"
"I'm not"
"I want to be"
"I like"
I Am Statements
An exercise to express self-identity.
Examples shared:
I am understanding.
I am funny.
I am sarcastic.
I am loving.
I am a sister.
I am easily sleepy.
Understanding Self-Concept
Definition
Self-concept is how and what we think about ourselves.
Composed of three main components:
Self-esteem
Self-image
Ideal self
Questions Related to Self-Concept
Who am I?
Who do I want to be?
How do I feel about myself?
Components of Self-Concept
Self-Image
Definition
The way we see ourselves. Influenced by:
Knowledge of our traits
Personal biases
Feedback from others
Accuracy of Self-Image
Distorted self-image can occur.
Comparing self-image with others' perceptions helps in evaluating accuracy.
Example: If one is perceived as nice by others, it may affirm that self-image.
Self-Esteem
Definition
The emotional response regarding one's self-worth. Influenced by:
Feedback from others
Social comparisons
Social roles
Healthy Self-Esteem
Grounded in reality and reflects an accurate appraisal of strengths and weaknesses.
Issues with High Self-Esteem
Can lead to narcissistic or self-centered behavior if not grounded in reality.
Ideal Self
Definition
The person one aspires to be; an idealized image.
Guides:
Goal-setting
Motivation
Personal growth
Connection between Self-Image and Ideal Self
The closer one’s self-image is to their ideal self, the higher their self-esteem tends to be.
Examples of Ideal Self
A person dreaming of being a star without developing relevant skills.
Desiring to be a reverend without pursuing the education required.
Personality
Definition
A consistent pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving that makes individuals unique.
Influences the quality of relationships and personal interactions.
Theories of Personality
Psychodynamic (Freud and Neo-Freudian)
Humanistic (Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow)
Trait Theories (Eysenck, Big Five)
Social-Cognitive Theory
Sigmund Freud and Psychoanalysis
Role and Contributions
Father of Psychoanalysis, focusing on unconscious processes.
Emphasized three structural components of Personality:
Id
Ego
Superego
Definitions
Id: Basic instincts and impulses operating on the pleasure principle (seeking immediate gratification).
Powered by libido (sexual energy).
Ego: Mediates between Id's desires and the demands of reality (reality principle).
Utilizes reason and experience.
Superego: Moral compass shaped by parental and societal values.
Operates on the morality principle (distinguishing between good and bad).
Defense Mechanisms
Definition
Strategies employed by the ego to protect self-concept from anxiety or conflict.
Types of Defense Mechanisms
Repression: Pushing painful thoughts/memories into unconscious.
Example: Forgetting details of a traumatic event.
Denial: Refusing to accept reality.
Example: Insisting one does not have a drinking problem despite evidence.
Rationalization: Making excuses to justify behavior.
Example: Justifying aggressive behavior due to external circumstances.
Displacement: Redirecting feelings to a safer target.
Example: Yelling at a partner after a bad day at work.
Regression: Retreating to an earlier developmental stage.
Example: Sulking after losing a board game.
Projection: Attributing one's undesirable traits to others.
Example: Accusing someone of being selfish when feeling selfish oneself.
Reaction Formation: Acting opposite of what one truly feels.
Example: Overly kind to someone one dislikes.
Sublimation: Channeling aggressive energy into socially acceptable activities.
Example: Engaging in competitive sports to release pent-up aggression.
Freudian Psychosexual Stages of Development
Each stage addresses different challenges for Id, Ego, and Superego. Handling challenges effectively results in growth; failure may lead to fixation.
Stages Include:
Oral Stage (0-18 months)
Focus on the mouth; tasks include feeding and comfort; fixation may lead to habits like smoking or nail biting.
Anal Stage (18 months - 3 years)
Focus on control and toilet training; fixation may lead to excessive neatness.
Phallic Stage (3-5 years)
Focus on genitals; development of Oedipus/Electra complex; fixation can influence confidence and relationships.
Latency Stage (5-12 years)
Sexual impulses quiet; focus on learning and friendships.
Genital Stage (12+ years)
Mature sexual interests; focus on intimacy and balanced relationships.
Neo-Freudians
Definition
Scholars who expanded upon Freud's theories, maintaining that personality development occurs in childhood while placing more emphasis on the role of the conscious mind.
Major Neo-Freudians includes:
Alfred Adler
Introduced the Inferiority Complex, describing the drive to overcome childhood weaknesses by seeking superiority in adulthood.
Karen Horney
Proposed the importance of love and security; noted how childhood anxiety impacts self-worth, emphasizing the gap between the real self and the ideal self.
Carl Jung
Introduced the concept of the Collective Unconscious, which refers to shared inherited memories and archetypes from ancestors.
Humanistic Theories
Focus
Emphasis on personal growth and self-actualization.
Carl Rogers Contributions
Person-Centered Perspective
Believed people are inherently good and strive for self-actualization.
Self-actualization: the psychological need to fulfill one's potential.
Environmental influence is crucial; acceptance, empathy, and genuineness support positive self-concept.
Unconditional Positive Regard: Acceptance regardless of circumstances fosters a positive self-concept.
Conditional Positive Regard: Acceptance based on behavior leads to a negative self-concept.
Conclusion
The discussion covers the complexity of self-perception through self-concept, personality theories, and the psychological mechanisms that underlie human behavior. Each perspective offers insights into personal development and interpersonal dynamics, laying a foundation for understanding self and others.