THE SELF Sources of Self-Knowledge Aspects of Self-Knowledge Presenting the Self Psych 160 Prof. Chen

Aspects of Self-Knowledge: Self Schemas Describe the dimensions along which you think about yourself Tend to possess ones for dimensions that are important, on which you see yourself as extreme, and on which you’re sure you are not the opposite Influence perceptions, interpretations, and judgments, just like any other schema e.g., more likely to notice information relevant to self schemas Psych 160 Prof. Chen

Aspects of Self-Knowledge: Self-Complexity Self-Complexity Theory (Linville & colleagues) Self is cognitively represented in terms of multiple aspects Self-aspects vary in the affect associated w/ them. Degree of complexity in the self varies. Psych 160 Prof. Chen

Self-complexity is defined by: (1) # of different self-aspects (2) degree of overlap (i.e.,distinctiveness) of self-aspects High self-complexity = large # of distinct self aspects Low self-complexity = small # of non-distinct self aspects Psych 160 Prof. Chen

Macey Angelina LEADER SELF authoritative rational serious DANCER SELF creative free-spirited emotional LEADER SELF authoritative concerned supportive FRIEND SELF agreeable concerned supportive FRIEND SELF agreeable concerned supportive Psych 160 Prof. Chen

Self-Complexity Theory Central Hypothesis Degree of self-complexity related to how people feel in response to + & - events related to the self Low self-complexity = more extreme swings in affect & self-evaluation Psych 160 Prof. Chen

Macey Angelina LEADER SELF authoritative rational serious DANCER SELF creative free-spirited emotional LEADER SELF authoritative concerned supportive FRIEND SELF agreeable concerned supportive FRIEND SELF agreeable concerned supportive Psych 160 Prof. Chen