Notes on Understanding the Self

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

UNIT 1: The Self from Various Perspectives
  • Exploration of different psychological theories and definitions about the self.
Psychological Perspective
What is Psychology?
  • Derived from the Greek words:
    • "logos" - Science or study
    • "psyche" - Mind or soul
  • Definition: "Psychology is the scientific study of behavior."
The SELF Based on The Psychoanalytic Approach
FREUD: Unconscious Forces
  • Key drivers of behavior include unconscious instincts.
Instincts in Freudian Theory

  • Life Instinct/Sexual Instinct (Eros)

    • Impetus: Libido
    • Source: Genitals or erogenous zones
    • Aim: Reduction of sexual tension
    • Object: Thing or person of desire

  • Death or Destructive Instinct (Thanatos)

    • Pseudonym: Aggression
    • Aim: Return the organism to its inorganic state.
    • Final Aim: Self-destruction; associated behaviors:
    • Sadism and Masochism derive energy from the death instinct.
Provinces of the Mind
  • Key regions that dictate behavior: Id, Ego, Superego.
Components of the Mind According to Freud

  • Id

    • Also known as “das Es” (the “It”)
    • Represents biological self; follows the pleasure principle
    • Pleasure-seeking part of personality; determined by genetic code.

  • Ego

    • Also known as “das Ich” (the “I”)
    • Represents psychological self; follows the reality principle
    • Mediates between the unrealistic desires of the Id and the moral constraints of the Superego.

  • Superego

    • Also known as “das Uber-Ich” (the “above-I”)
    • Represents the social self; incorporates societal values and morals.
    • Has two parts: Ego Ideal (what should be done) and Conscience (what shouldn’t be done).
Anxiety
  • Definition: Unpleasant state that signals impending danger.
  • Origin: Ego faced with demands of Id, Superego, and external world.
The role of the Ego
  • A weak ego can lead to conflicts between Id and Superego, resulting in anxiety and potential dysfunction.
Defense Mechanisms (Freudian Concepts)
  • Psychoanalytic defense mechanisms that protect the ego from anxiety:
    • Fixation: Remaining at a comfortable stage of development permanently.
    • Regression: Temporarily reverting to an earlier development stage during stress.
    • Projection: Attributing one’s unacceptable feelings to others.
    • Acting Out: Expressing extreme behaviors to unexpressed emotions.
    • Reaction Formation: Exaggerating opposition behaviors (e.g., being overly friendly when angry).
    • Undoing: Trying to erase unpleasant experiences through repetitive acts to soothe anxiety.
    • Displacement: Redirecting unacceptable impulses onto safer targets.
    • Sublimation: Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions (e.g., art, humor).
The Self as a Cognitive Construction
WILLIAM JAMES: Functionalism
  • Focus on conscious activities: what people do, think, and learn.
  • Definition of mental states determined by their functions.
  • Highlights human choice and consciousness.
GEORGE MEAD: Symbolic Interactionism
  • Concept of “I” and “Me”:
    • “Me” refers to the socialized aspect of self.
    • “I” indicates the active, spontaneous side of self.
Adolescent Concerns in Self-Concept
  • Imaginary Audience & Spotlight Effect: Adolescents feel observed and evaluated, leading to heightened self-consciousness.
Self-Concept
  • Carl Rogers' Theory:
    • Real Self: The person as they truly are.
    • Ideal Self: The person one aspires to become; includes positive attributes.
    • A gap between the real and ideal self can hinder self-actualization.
Social Comparison of the Self
LEON FESTINGER: Comparison Effects
  • Types of Comparison:
    • Temporal Comparison: Evaluating oneself against previous self-states.
    • Social Comparison: Evaluating oneself relative to others (upward or downward).
Downward Comparisons
  • Two types:
    • Passive: Reflecting on past conditions.
    • Active: Comparing by demeaning or harming others.
Self-Esteem
  • Overall sense of self-worth and personal value.
  • The ongoing question: How much do I appreciate and like myself?
Conclusion
  • A reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses.
  • The quote:
    • "Too many days are wasted comparing ourselves to others and wishing to be something we aren't. Acceptance leads to true success in life." ~ Ritu Ghatourey