Understanding the Self in Psychology

Exploring the concept of self, its components, and its significance in psychology and philosophy.

The various aspects that make up the concept of 'self', including social interactions, cultural influences, personal experiences.

Looking at past viewpoints and theories on studying the self.

Modern ideas about self, identity, and self-concept.

Understanding your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Critically examining your thoughts and actions to better understand yourself.

How favorably you view yourself.

Different ways various cultures define the self.

Modern perspectives on the self, integrating neuroscience, sociology, and cultural studies.

Cognitive structure representing an individual's self-perception.

Belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations or tasks.

Ability to control and direct one's behavior and thoughts.

Degree of clarity and consistency in defining one's self-concept.

Theory that self develops through social interactions and communication.

Part of self-concept derived from membership in social groups.

Range of philosophical, religious, and psychological inquiries into the self across time.

Socrates emphasized introspection and self-awareness as crucial to understanding oneself.

Plato believed the self is composed of reason, spirit, and appetite.

Aristotle suggested the 'rational soul' distinguishes humans from other animals.

Descartes' famous statement, 'I think, therefore I am,' highlights consciousness as the basis of self.

Descartes separated the self into mind (thinking) and body (physical).

Freud emphasized the influence of unconscious desires and early experiences on the self.

Freud's model of the psyche, dividing the self into these three interacting parts.

Humanistic psychologists focused on self-actualization, growth, and subjective experience.

The process of evaluating thoughts, emotions and behaviours to achieve personal growth.

Early thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle who studied the nature of self, emphasizing self-knowledge.

Discussions on the self from a religious perspective, often integrating religious doctrine with existing philosophy.

A Renaissance philosopher who proposed that the self is composed of mind and body.

A theory developed by Sigmund Freud, focusing on the unconscious mind and the interplay of the id, ego, and superego.

A school of thought that emphasizes personal growth and potential, focusing on positive aspects of the self.

Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

The collection of beliefs, perceptions, and evaluations that individuals hold about themselves. It's a mental picture of who you are, your strengths, weaknesses, and values.

The process of looking inward and examining your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It's a form of self-reflection.

The theory that individuals infer their own attitudes and attributes by observing their own behavior. It's based on the idea that we learn about ourselves by watching what we do.

The theory that individuals develop a sense of identity through social interactions and feedback from others. It's about comparing ourselves to others to understand our own position.

The tendency for individuals to seek confirmation and validation of their self-concept from others. It's about wanting others to see us as we see ourselves.

Treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance during times of difficulty or suffering. It's about being gentle with yourself.

Individuals use shopping, brands, and lifestyle choices to communicate their identity and align with specific groups or ideologies.

Societal hierarchies and power imbalances can limit the ability of marginalized groups to fully express their authentic selves due to discrimination and stigma.

Online personas can be both genuine reflections of people and curated images designed to project a specific self.

Cultures shape how individuals see themselves and interact with others. Individualistic societies emphasize personal goals, while collectivist cultures prioritize group harmony.

Societal expectations based on factors like gender, race, or social class can influence how individuals perceive themselves and limit their growth potential.

Examining how consumer culture shapes our sense of self and the implications of our purchase decisions on our values and social identities.

Analyzing how power, privilege, and identity intersect, advocating for equality and fairness in social systems.

Evaluating the impact of online interactions on individuals' self-concept and mental health, questioning the authenticity and potential downsides of digital identities.