UNDERSTANDING-THE-SELF-sept26

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

What is the Self?

• The self is a complex cognitive construct shaped by both internal and external factors.

• Internal Factors:

  • Composed of two parts—"I" (the thinker and actor) and "Me" (self-concept and identity).

• External Factors:

  • Developed through social interactions and comparisons with others.

Key Theorists

William James

• One of the earliest psychologists to study the self.

• Conceptualized the self as having two aspects:

  • "I": Thinking, acting, and feeling self.

  • "Me": Physical characteristics and psychological capabilities defining who you are.

Edward Tory Higgins

• Proposed three domains of the self:

  • Actual Self: How we see ourselves.

  • Ideal Self: How we want to be.

  • Ought Self: How we think we should be.

Carl Rogers' Self-Concept Theory

• Suggested that self-concept has three key elements:

  • Self-Esteem: Reflects how much you like and value yourself.

  • Self-Image: How you see yourself in reality.

  • Ideal Self: The image of the person you want to be.

Types of Self

Carver and Scheier's Types

• Identified two self-awareness types:

  • Private Self: Internal standards, private thoughts, and feelings.

  • Public Self: Public image geared towards positive representation.

• Associated self-schemas:

  • Actual Self: Who you are now.

  • Ideal Self: Who you would like to be.

  • Ought Self: Who you think you should be.

Examples of Self-Concepts

• Positive Attributes Include:

  • "I am intelligent and capable."

  • "I am kind and compassionate."

  • "I am confident in my abilities."

  • "I am resilient, creative, and responsible."

  • Additional attributes: Honest, independent, open-minded, patient, adventurous, organized, empathetic, optimistic.

Effects on the Self

• Exploring factors identified in psychology that influence the formation of the self.

Perception of Self

• Understanding how others perceive you, which may affect self-esteem and self-concept.

Assignment

• Individual activities: Research paper on ways to boost self-esteem or improve self-concept.

Closing

• Thank you for participating.