PSY411 Glossary - Self and Self-Esteem

Stigma: A social mark of disgrace associated with a particular characteristic or group identity.
Concealable Stigma: A stigmatized identity that can be hidden (e.g., mental illness, sexual orientation).
Ironic Process Theory: Trying to suppress certain thoughts can make them more likely to surface. This suggests that actively trying to avoid thinking about something can paradoxically increase its accessibility in your mind.
Covering: Downplaying a stigmatized identity to fit in socially, even if not fully concealed. This involves minimizing aspects of the stigmatized identity to better integrate into social situations.
Self-monitoring: Ongoing effort to regulate one's behavior to meet social expectations. High self-monitors are adept at adjusting their behavior to fit different social contexts.

Social Exclusion: Being deliberately left out or ignored by others.
Ostracism: Being ignored or excluded without explanation. The lack of explanation can intensify the negative effects of exclusion.
Rejection Sensitivity: Anxiously expecting and overreacting to signs of rejection. This can lead to heightened vigilance for potential rejection cues and exaggerated responses to perceived slights.
Self-defeating Behavior: Actions that sabotage one's own goals, often after rejection. This may occur as a way to preemptively confirm negative expectations or regain a sense of control.

Social Identity Theory: Part of our self-concept comes from group memberships. This theory posits that individuals derive a sense of identity and self-esteem from their membership in social groups.
Ingroup: A group one identifies with.
Outgroup: A group one does not identify with and may perceive negatively.
Ingroup Favoritism: Preference for one's own group, even in minimal group scenarios. This demonstrates that even arbitrary group distinctions can lead to preferential treatment of ingroup members.
Ethnic Enclave: A group or setting for mutual support among an ethnic community. These enclaves provide social support, cultural preservation, and economic opportunities for community members.
Identity Threat: When aspects of your social identity are challenged or devalued. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, defensiveness, and a desire to protect one's social identity.

Prosocial Behavior: Actions intended to benefit others.
Altruism: Helping others at a cost to oneself, without personal gain. This is often seen as a selfless act motivated by a desire to improve the well-being of others.
Moral Obligation: Helping driven by internal ethical standards or values. This involves a sense of duty or responsibility to assist those in need.
Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another. Empathy is a key motivator for prosocial behavior, as it allows individuals to connect with and respond to the needs of others.

Aggression: Behavior intended to harm another person.
Direct Aggression: Openly harmful behavior like yelling or physical confrontation.
Displaced Aggression: Taking out anger on a safer or more available target. This often occurs when individuals are unable to express their anger directly towards the source of their frustration.
Threatened Egotism: Aggressive reaction when a person with high self-esteem is challenged. This theory suggests that individuals with inflated self-views may react aggressively when their ego is threatened.
Narcissism: A trait involving inflated self-importance and sensitivity to criticism. Narcissistic individuals often have an exaggerated sense of their own abilities and accomplishments, and they may react defensively to any perceived criticism.