Psychology Chapter: Self Concept and Image

Self and Its Concepts

• Self is fluid, constantly evolving, encompassing untapped potential beyond self-concept.
• Self-concept is structured, harder to alter, consisting of invented aspects of self.

Sources of Self-Concept

• Influenced by biology and genetics.
• Shaped by self-evaluations, social roles, and social comparisons.
• Feedback from others and cultural contexts play significant roles.

Characteristics of Self-Concept

• Inherently subjective, based on personal interpretation.
• Multifaceted, integrating various dimensions of identity.
• Dynamic, subject to change over time and influenced by experiences.
• Affected by self-disclosure, revealing personal aspects to others.

Context Influences on Self-Concept

• Culture: Individualistic vs. collectivist perspectives, with co-cultures impacting identity.
• Relationships: Influenced by interactions with friends, family, co-workers, and schoolmates.
• Gender considerations: Variations in self-perception between males and females.
• Individual factors: Self-fulfilling prophecies shape expectations and subsequent realities; automatic negative thoughts can detrimentally affect self-view.

Self-Image

• Comprises perceptions of how others view us and our mental self-portrait.
• Derived from claimed roles and personal beliefs.

Self-Esteem

• Reflects the value and respect one places on oneself.
• Involves self-evaluation and perceived worth, affecting feelings and attitudes.

Components of Self-Esteem

• Cognitive: Reflects on strengths, weaknesses, and comparisons between actual and ideal self.
• Affective: Emotions related to self-assessment.
• Behavioral: Expressions of self-esteem through verbal and nonverbal actions.

Self-Esteem Levels

• Low self-esteem linked to depression and negativity.
• High self-esteem associated with happiness and satisfaction; encourages experimentation.

Self-Esteem Types

• Under-inflated self-esteem may result in feelings of inadequacy.
• Overinflated self-esteem can lead to negative interpersonal dynamics and a culture of bullying.

Effects on Academic Performance

• Inflating students' self-esteem adversely affects grades and academic honesty.
• Discrepancies in perceived versus actual performance can lead to disillusionment.

Interpersonal Relationships

• Programs aimed at boosting self-perception may foster disrespect towards others.
• Individuals with inflated self-esteem often face social repercussions in ego-threatening situations.

Effects on Beliefs

• Galatea effect: Self-belief enhances personal capability.
• Pygmalion effect: External affirmations impact self-perception and behavior.

Guidelines for Enhancing Self

• Pursue knowledge for self-improvement and commit to personal growth.
• Establish realistic goals and work on self-esteem enhancement.
• Practice appropriate self-disclosure for deeper connections.

Impostor Syndrome

• Phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities despite evident talent or success.

Self-Disclosure Purposes

• In friendships: Maintains and enriches relationships, facilitates self-clarification.
• With strangers: Promotes reciprocity and shapes impressions.

Benefits of Self-Disclosure

• Fosters increased self-knowledge and can be emotionally healing.
• Offers affirmation and new perspectives on personal experiences.
• Enhances ethical communication and encourages reciprocal interactions.

Risks of Self-Disclosure

• Potential rejection or diminished acceptance from others.
• Vulnerability to misuse of disclosed information by others.