Module IV - Self and Social Identity (1)

Module IV: Self and Social Identity

1. The Self

• Definition: The self is our sense of personal identity, defining who we are as individuals.

• Self-Concept: Central to our lives, encapsulating who we think we are based on our unique experiences.

• Structure: Comprises organized and stable contents of personal experiences.

• Sum of Self: It is the combination of attributes, thoughts, and ideas that shape our identity.

2. Self-Knowledge

• Reflection on Self:

  • Reflected Appraisals: Our self-view is influenced by how others perceive us (Looking-glass self).

  • Social Comparison: Evaluating oneself against others helps shape self-knowledge and concept.

  • Introspection: Critical self-examination; may produce biased views of our internal state.

3. Personal Attributes and Self-Concept

• Defining Attributes: Includes gender, age, nationality, personality traits, and skills (e.g., smart, artistic).

• Self-Concept Questions: Inquiry prompts to explore self (e.g., Tell me about yourself).

4. Distinctiveness Theory

• Core Principle: Individuals emphasize unique attributes that distinguish them from others.

• Example: A male in a single-gender school might identify more with unique activities (e.g., debater) rather than gender itself.

5. Self and Memory

• Autobiographical Memory: Influences event recall; personal history is integral to self-knowledge.

• Religious Influence: Participation in religious activities can shape self-knowledge and character standards.

6. Influence of Groups and Culture

• Individual Self: Refers to private thoughts and evaluations.

• Collective Self: Self-concept derived from group memberships affecting identity.

7. Self-Concept

• Definition: A multi-dimensional view of oneself regarding various characteristics (e.g., gender, race, sexuality). It influences self-understanding.

8. Domains of Self-Knowledge

• Main Domains:

  • Self-Assessment (SA): The pursuit of accurate self-information for understanding oneself.

  • Self-Verification (SV): Seeking to confirm existing self-views to maintain stability.

  • Self-Enhancement (SE): Searching for positive reinforcement; fosters pleasant emotions but lacks practical value when inaccurate.

9. Self-Assessment in Career Planning

• Importance: The foundational step in career decisions; involves evaluating values, interests, personality, and skills.

• Ongoing Process: Essential for the evolving self-concept throughout one's life.

10. Organizing Knowledge: Self-Schemas

• Definition: Organized sets of knowledge about self (cognitions) that shape perception and self-view.

• Application: Individuals use self-schemas to navigate and make sense of experiences in different life areas.

11. Self-Esteem

• Origins: Derived from Greek, meaning "reverence for self"; reflects values, beliefs, and self-worth.

• Evaluation of Self: Self-esteem encompasses both positive and negative self-feelings; influenced by internal and external factors.

12. Maintaining Self-Esteem in Interactions

• Motives: Enhancing self-esteem and maintaining self-consistency are key in interactions.

• Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory: Describes how others' behaviors affect personal self-feeling and self-conception.

13. Coping Mechanisms and Self-Enhancement

• Definition: Overly positive biases as coping strategies during difficulties.

• Self-Esteem Types: Implicit (subconscious) vs. explicit (interwoven with daily interactions).

14. Self-Confidence

• Definition: Belief in achieving goals impacts perception and reality.

• Components:

  • Achievement sources (mastery, ability).

  • Self-regulation (preparation, self-presentation).

  • Social climate (support, environment).

• Impact of Lack of Confidence: Leads to passivity, indecision, and withdrawal.

15. Self-Control and Regulation

• Definitions:

  • Actual Self: Current self-concept.

  • Ideal Self: Aspirational self-image.

  • Self-Regulation: Aligning behaviors with personal standards or others’ expectations.

16. Self-Serving Cognitions

• Bias Explanation: Positive outcomes attributed to internal factors; negative outcomes to external ones.

• Self-Verification: Confirming one's self-identity through consistent behaviors.

17. Self-Focus and Behavior Regulation

• Awareness of Self: Self-monitoring ranges from low to high depending on social context.

• Self-Handicapping: Engaging in behaviors that protect self-esteem in the face of potential failure.

18. Self-Awareness

• Definition: Attentiveness to self-concept; can lead to self-consciousness when observed by others.

19. The Social Self

• Social Influences: Self-concept shaped by social interactions and observations.

• Questions of Identity: Understanding self in relation to other people’s perspectives.

20. Social Comparison

• Definition: Learning about self through comparisons with others' skills and statuses.

• Types of Comparison:

  • Upward Comparison: Comparing with those in a better situation.

  • Downward Comparison: Comparing favorably with those in a worse situation.

21. Perceiving Others

• Impression Formation: The process of evaluating others; influenced by first impressions and cognitive biases.

• Effects on Perception: Spotlight effect, illusion of transparency, and halo effect impact how impressions are formed.

22. Identity

• Definition: A unique and enduring personality; can be lost in collective environments.

• Philosophical Aspects: Identity relates to sameness and individuality.

23. Identity Formation

• Development Task: Achieving an integrated sense of self shared with society.

• Key Features:

  • Continuity: Reliability of self over time.

  • Contrast: Differentiation from others within the social context.