Psychology Chapter on the Self

Vygotsky's Theory of Cognitive and Emotional Development

• Social interaction: Vygotsky emphasizes social interaction as a crucial factor in shaping a child's cognitive and emotional development.
• Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): This concept describes the gap between what a child can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance from a more knowledgeable individual.
• Scaffolding: This refers to the support provided by adults or peers to help children learn and reach their full potential within the ZPD.

Social Constructionist Perspective

• Social Context and Self: This perspective argues that an individual's sense of self is inextricably linked to their social environment and experiences.
• Dynamic and Fluid: The self is viewed as fluid and constantly evolving as a result of ongoing social interactions.

Marcel Mauss and the Self

• "Moi" (the "me"): This refers to the individual's sense of personal identity, which is influenced by social roles and expectations.
• "Je" (the "I"): This represents the individual's subjective sense of self, their personal experiences, and their unique perspective.

Social Comparison Theories

• Social Comparison Theory: This theory suggests that individuals evaluate themselves by comparing themselves to others.
• Upward Social Comparison: Comparing yourself to someone perceived as superior can impact self-esteem negatively, but it can motivate you to improve.
• Downward Social Comparison: Comparing yourself to someone perceived as inferior can improve self-esteem, but it may lead to complacency.

Self-Efficacy and Social Cognitive Theory

• Self-Efficacy: This concept refers to an individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations.
• Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura): This theory posits that individuals learn through observation, imitation, and modeling.
• Proactive, Self-Regulated, Self-Reflective & Self-Organizing: These characteristics are central to the Social Cognitive Theory's understanding of human behavior.

Intentionality and Self-Concept

• Intentionality: This concept highlights the role of conscious intention in shaping behavior and decision-making.
• Self-Concept: This refers to a person's overall view of themselves, encompassing their beliefs, attitudes, and feelings.
• Ideal Self: This represents a person's aspirations and goals for themselves.

The Self According to William James

• "I" (the "Knower"): This is the self as a subject, the conscious experiencer.
• "Me" (the "Known"): This is the self as an object, the sum of one's experiences, thoughts, and traits.

The Gap Between Self-Concept and Ideal Self

• Gap Between Self-Concept and Ideal Self: This difference in self-perception can have a significant impact on well-being and motivation.
• Carl Rogers: According to Rogers, a wide gap between the ideal self and the self-concept can indicate a lack of congruence and potentially lead to psychological distress.

Freud and the Id

• Id: This is the part of the unconscious mind that drives basic instincts and desires, such as hunger, thirst, and sexuality.
• Libido: Freud used this term to describe the psychic energy associated with the id and life-sustaining drives.

George Mead and the Development of the Self

• Symbolic Interactionism: This perspective emphasizes the role of social interaction and shared symbols in shaping the self.
• "I" and "Me": Mead proposed the development of the self as a process involving the "I" (the spontaneous, individual self) and the "Me" (the socialized self).
• Social Roles and Expectations: The "Me" emerges as the individual internalizes social norms and expectations, leading to a sense of self that is aligned with social values and expectations.

Freud's Theory of Psychosexual Development

• Primary Motivation: Freud believed that pleasure seeking (libido) is the primary motivation for human behavior.

Carl Rogers and the Healthy Personality

• Congruence and Self-Actualization: Carl Rogers believed that achieving balance between self-concept and ideal self is crucial for a healthy personality.

Social Stigma and Gender Expression

• Social Stigma: This can significantly influence gender expression and identity, creating challenges and pressures for individuals who do not conform to societal norms.