Self Concept THE KEY TO COMMUNICATION

 Our self-concept is shaped by those around us.  The evaluations others make of us are the mirrors by which we know ourselves.  “Significant others” have greater impact.  Our self-concept is based on the influence of the various reference groups to which we are exposed.  The importance of a characteristic is based on the significance we attach to it.  We can change our attitudes and behaviors.

Self-Concept Is not Objective  Self-estimation might be based on obsolete information  People are reluctant to give up a familiar self-image.  Self-Concept may be excessively favorable due to distorted feedback from others.  An unrealistically high self-concept may have to do with the expectation of a society that demands too much of its members.  Rather than label themselves failures, many people engage in self-deception.

A Healthy Self-Concept is Flexible  People change.  We change from situation to situation.  We change over time.  To keep a realistic picture of ourselves our self-concept must also change.  Important ways we are changing: physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually.

Self-Concept Resists Change  It is an effort to think of one’s self in a new way.  Trying to perpetrate an inaccurate self- concept is self-delusion and lack of growth.  One can accept the new data and change accordingly, or keep the original viewpoint and in some way refute the new information.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy  Occurs when our expectation of an event makes the outcome more likely to occur than would otherwise have been true.  Our expectations influence our behavior.  Occurs when the expectations of one person governs another’s actions.  We are what we believe we are.

Changing Your Self-Concept  Some of our dissatisfaction may come from unrealistic expectations.  It is important to judge ourselves in terms of our own growth and not against the behavior of others.  Changing our self-concept requires a good deal of effort.  There are cases where you would change if you knew of a way to do so. Seek advice.  Learn to change by observing models.  Change is possible. You don’t need to be perfect, but you can improve your self-concept.