Self and Self-Concept
Interested in self because:
--Self is a product of interpersonal communication
--Self affects how we communicate with others
--Changes in the self = changes in relationships
Self Concept: collection of qualities we attribute to
ourselves (text: subjective description of who we are)
Model of Self
& Self Concept
Model of Self:
Real, Ideal, &
Presented Self
Ideal Self:
--Idealized Image: An Unobtainable Ideal Self
--Committed Image: An Achievable Ideal Self
--Moral Image: How the Self “Should” be.
Self as
Multidimensional
Symbolic Interaction & the Symbolic Self
Behavior
Others’ Perception
Self Concept
Others’
Rx/Behaviors
a.
b.
c.
Mediating Factors
d.
e.
f.
The Self Concept is a process
--On-going over time: Changes
--Irreversible
--Cumulative—Helix Model
The Self Concept is subjective (Perceptually Biased)
Self Concept is influenced by culture.
Healthy Self Concept is flexible.
Self Concept resists change.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy (Symbolic Interaction)
--Self Generated
--Other Generated
People vary in terms of Self-Awareness