The Psychological Perspective of the Self PDF

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE SELF One self or many selves The Unified Self  Traditional Western Philosophy: Many Western philosophers, including Aristotle and Descartes, have argued for the existence of a unified, coherent self. This view suggests that we are each a single, indivisib...

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE SELF One self or many selves The Unified Self  Traditional Western Philosophy: Many Western philosophers, including Aristotle and Descartes, have argued for the existence of a unified, coherent self. This view suggests that we are each a single, indivisible entity with a consistent set of beliefs, values, and desires.  Psychological Theories: Some psychological theories, such as the "ego" concept in psychoanalysis, also emphasize the idea of a central, integrated self that governs our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The Multiple Selves  Social Psychology and Identity Theory: Social psychologists have highlighted the influence of social roles and group memberships on our sense of self. This view suggests that we have multiple "selves" that emerge in different social contexts. For example, our "work self" may differ from our "family self" or our "friend self."  Cognitive Psychology and Memory: Cognitive psychology emphasizes the role of memory in shaping our sense of self. Since our memories are often fragmented and inconsistent, this perspective suggests that our sense of self may be a collection of different memories and experiences that do not always cohere into a single, unified whole.  Eastern Philosophies: Many Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, reject the notion of a fixed, unchanging self. Instead, they emphasize the impermanence and fluidity of the self, which is constantly changing and evolving through experience. The Integrated Self  Contemporary Psychology: Some contemporary psychologists argue that the concept of a "self" is not a fixed entity but rather a dynamic process of integration. This view suggests that we have multiple aspects to our personality, but these aspects are constantly interacting and shaping a coherent sense of self over time. THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE SELF Allport’s Personality Theory Gordon Allport's Trait Theory of Personality is a foundational concept in the field of psychology, emphasizing the uniqueness of individual characteristics and their influence on behavior. Allport, a pioneer in personality psychology, challenged traditional psychoanalytic and behavioral approaches, arguing that personality is best understood by examining the specific traits that define each individual. Allport's Key Concepts  Traits as Fundamental Units: Allport believed that traits are the basic building blocks of personality. He defined a trait as "a generalized neuropsychic system (peculiar to an individual), with the capacity to render many stimuli functionally equivalent, and to initiate and guide consistent (equivalent) forms of adaptive and expressive behavior". This means that traits are not simply labels but represent underlying psychological systems that influence how we perceive the world and respond to it. Hierarchy of Traits: Allport proposed a three-level hierarchy of traits Cardinal Traits: These are the dominant traits that shape a person's life and are often so pervasive that they become synonymous with the individual. For example, Mother Teresa's selflessness or Hitler's ruthlessness are considered cardinal traits. Allport believed these traits are rare, but when present, they have a profound impact on a person's behavior and identity. Central Traits: These are the core characteristics that make up a person's personality and are readily observable in their behavior. Examples include honesty, intelligence, shyness, and kindness. Allport suggested that most individuals possess around 5 to 10 central traits, which contribute significantly to their overall personality. Secondary Traits: These are less consistent and less influential traits that are often situation-specific. They may emerge in specific contexts or under certain conditions. For example, a person who is generally assertive may become submissive when interacting with authority figures Strengths of Allport's Theory  Emphasis on Individual Differences: Allport's theory highlights the unique combination of traits that make each person distinct, rejecting the idea of universal personality types.  Focus on Observable Behavior: Allport emphasized the importance of studying actual behavior to identify and understand traits, rather than relying solely on introspection or theoretical constructs.  Influence on Personality Assessment: Allport's work contributed significantly to the development of personality assessment tools, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Big Five personality traits, which are widely used in psychology and related fields. Criticisms of Allport's Theory  Lack of Empirical Support: Allport's theory is criticized for lacking rigorous empirical research to support its claims. While he conducted some studies, his primary focus was on theoretical development rather than systematic data collection.  Limited Scope: Some argue that Allport's theory fails to adequately address the role of environmental factors, social influences, and developmental processes in shaping personality.  Difficulty in Measuring Traits: Identifying and measuring traits objectively remains a challenge, as they are often complex and influenced by multiple factors. Despite its limitations, Allport's Trait Theory of Personality remains a significant contribution to the field of psychology. His emphasis on individual differences, the importance of observable behavior, and the hierarchical organization of traits have influenced subsequent research and continue to be relevant in understanding the complexities of human personality. THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE SELF True vs. False Selves The concept of "true" vs. "false" selves is a powerful idea explored in various fields, including psychology, psychoanalysis, and philosophy. It essentially describes the inner conflict between who we truly are and who we feel we need to be in order to fit in or meet societal expectations. The True Self  Authenticity: The true self represents our genuine core, our authentic personality, values, and desires. It's the part of us that feels most comfortable and at ease, free from the pressure of external expectations.  Inner Voice: It's often associated with an inner voice that speaks to our true needs, aspirations, and passions.  Spontaneity: The true self expresses itself naturally and spontaneously, without the need for pretense or manipulation. The False Self  Adaptation: The false self develops as a response to external pressures and the need to conform. It's a protective mechanism that helps us navigate social situations and avoid potential rejection.  Compromise: It often involves suppressing our true desires and adopting behaviors and beliefs that align with societal norms or the expectations of others.  Performance: The false self can feel like a performance, a mask we wear to present a certain image to the world. The Impact of the False Self  Disconnection: A strong false self can lead to a sense of disconnection from ourselves, our true feelings, and our authentic desires.  Anxiety and Stress: Maintaining the false self can be exhausting and lead to anxiety, stress, and emotional distress.  Lack of Fulfillment: Living a life based on the false self often results in a feeling of emptiness and a lack of genuine fulfillment. Finding the True Self  Self-Awareness: Recognizing the presence of the false self is the first step toward finding the true self.  Vulnerability: Being vulnerable with ourselves and with others allows us to shed the false self and embrace our true nature.  Authenticity: Living authentically involves expressing our true selves, even if it means challenging societal norms or facing disapproval. Important Considerations  The False Self is Not Necessarily Bad: The false self can serve a protective function, especially in challenging environments. However, it's important to be aware of its impact and avoid letting it completely dominate our lives.  The Journey is Continuous: Finding the true self is an ongoing process of exploration, self-discovery, and growth. It's not a destination but a journey of becoming more authentic and aligned with our true selves. The concept of true vs. false selves reminds us that we are not static entities. We are constantly evolving and navigating the complex interplay between our inner world and the external world. By embracing our true selves and acknowledging the influence of the false self, we can live a more fulfilling and authentic life. Thank You!! Members: Tabequero, Vincent Rey E. Valcorza, Jorge Michael A. Valenzuela, Jhone Loyd Yabut, Kit Vincent T.