Module 2

The Self in a Social World

Spotlight Effect

  • Overestimation of others' attention on us.

  • Study by Gilovich et al. (2000): Students wearing embarrassing T-shirts believed over 50% would notice, while only 23% did.

Illusion of Transparency

  • Belief that emotions are visible to others; reality is that they might not perceive them as expected.

Objectives

  1. Understand self-esteem and its implications.

  2. Know ourselves and what shapes our self-concept.

  3. Identify self-presentation and impression management.

Self-Concept

  • Self-concept is defined by self-schemas (Markus & Wurf, 1987).

  • Examples: athletic, smart, etc.

  • Fast Fact: Self-schemas help organize perceptions.

  • Possible self or ideal self: Future aspirations and self-images.

Development of Self

  • Influences on self-concept include:

  1. Roles We Play: Adopting roles shapes self-perception.

  2. Social Comparisons: Assessing capabilities against others; influences feelings of competence.

  3. Successes and Failures: Daily experiences impact self-esteem; achievements enhance competence.

  4. Other People's Judgment: Our self-view influenced by how we think others perceive us (Mead, 1934).

Self and Culture

  • Cultural Variables:

  • Individualism (Western cultures): Emphasis on independence.

  • Collectivism (Asia, Africa): Emphasis on group identity.

  • Impact on self-esteem and self-concept. Individualists find self-worth in personal achievements, while collectivists find it within group context.

Self-Knowledge

  • Explaining behavior: Often inaccurate; subtle influences may lead to wrong explanations.

  • Predicting behavior and feelings: People struggle to forecast emotions accurately; affective forecasting leads to inaccurate predictions (Wilson & Gilbert, 2003).

Self-Esteem

  • Overall self-evaluation influenced by personal values.

  • Quick Tips: Self-esteem can motivate actions; social rejection can lower self-esteem, leading to a need for acceptance.

The Dark Side of Self-Esteem

  • Low self-esteem links to issues like depression and substance abuse (Salmela-Aro & Nurmi, 2007).

  • High self-esteem promotes resilience.

  • Narcissism: A form of high self-esteem lacking in interpersonal relationships; often leads to self-centered behavior.

Self-Control and Self-Efficacy

  • Self-Control: Depletes willpower; affects behavior in stressful situations.

  • Self-Efficacy: Belief in one's competence; distinct from self-esteem that measures overall self-worth.

Locus of Control

  • Internal: Belief in personal control over outcomes.

  • External: Viewing circumstances as beyond one's control.

Self-Serving Bias

  • Definition: Tendency to attribute successes to oneself and failures to external factors (Campbell & Sedikides, 1999).

  • Optimism enhances self-efficacy and well-being; defensive pessimism helps manage expectations.

Glossary

  • Spotlight effect: Overestimating attention on oneself.

  • Self-concept: Understanding of who one is.

  • Individualism: Prioritizing personal goals over group goals.

  • Collectivism: Prioritizing group goals over personal goals.

  • Learned helplessness: Hopelessness perceived when lacking control over negative events.

References

  • Myers, G. (2012). Social Psychology.

  • Myers, G. (2014). Exploring Social Psychology.