self esteem,self regulation, self presentation

Self-Esteem: our attitude towards ourselves— whether we feel good or bad about who we are

Why do we have self-esteem?

• Terror Management Theory (coping with our inevitable demise by seeking meaning in life) (e.g., someone involved in community service)

• Sociometer Theory (internal “meter” that tells us if we’re socially accepted and if we belong)

Self-regulation: monitor and adjust our behaviors to reach our goals

Related concept: Self-control: perception of control over one’s life

• External locus of control (faith, luck, or other people) (e.g., “I didn’t get the job because the interviewer didn’t like me.”)

• Internal locus of control (you are in charge) (e.g., I didn’t get the job because I didn’t prepare enough for the interview.”)

Limited resource/Strength model

is like a muscle—

• Becomes weaker after exertion (e.g., If you've been focusing on studying for hours, you may find it harder to resist distractions as time goes on.)

• Replenished with rest (e.g., Taking a break after a long study session to recharge can make it easier to focus again when you return to your work.)

• Strengthened by exercise (e.g., Consistently choosing healthy foods or resisting distractions builds your self-regulation muscle over time.)

Study done at FSU—Baumeister et al. 1998

The study was ostensibly about taste perception when it was about testing self-control using a form of deception.

Self-presentation:how we present ourselves to others