Chapter 3 Connecting Self and Communication

Learning Objectives (1 of 2) 3.1 Differentiate among self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem. 3.2 Identify social media factors that influence self-concept. 3.3 Characterize the role of culture in determining self-concept. 3.4 Characterize the role of gender in determining self-concept.

Learning Objectives (2 of 2) 3.5 Explain the roles of self-fulfilling prophecy and impression management as they relate to self-concept. 3.6 Identify six ways to improve self-concept.

Understanding Self-Concept (1 of 4) Learning Objective 3.1: Differentiate among self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem.

Understanding Self-Concept (2 of 4) Our self-concept is our perceived self. It consists of two components: Self-image, a person’s mental picture of him- or herself Self-esteem, a person’s feelings and attitudes toward him- or herself Self-concept and perception are closely related.

Figure 3.1: The Self-Concept Self-concept is determined by our experiences and communication with others, the roles and values we have selected for ourselves, our perception of how we think others see us, and how we evaluate ourselves.

Understanding Self-Concept (3 of 4) Development of Self-Concept Values are a person’s perceived self. Attitudes are evaluative feelings. Beliefs are convictions or confidence in the truth of something that is not based on absolute proof.

Understanding Self-Concept (4 of 4) Communication and Self-Concept Communication affects our self-concept. Our perceptions of how others respond to us affect our self-concept. Self-concept affects how we behave. According to social psychologist John W. Kinch, our behavior is directly related to how others react to our behavior. The personal-social identity continuum identifies the two ways the self can be categorized: at a personal level and at a social identity level.

Figure 3.2: Kinch’s Model of the Connection between Self-Concept and Communication Kinch illustrates the relationship between self-concept and communication. Our self-concept is based on our communication with others. Source: J. Kinch, “A Formalized Theory of the Self-Concept,” American Journal of Sociology 68 (January 1963): 481–486. University of Chicago Press. Reprinted by permission.

Social Media and Self-Concept (1 of 5) Learning Objective 3.2: Identify social media factors that influence self-concept.

Social Media and Self-Concept (2 of 5) Our attitude toward online communication also influences our self-concept. This orientation toward social media is called online communication attitude. Researchers have identified five attitudes that shape how we approach communication through social media: Online self-disclosure Online social connection Convenience Online Communication Apprehension Miscommunication

Social Media and Self-Concept (3 of 5) Online Self-Disclosure Online self-disclosure is the degree to which an individual self-regulates what he or she reveals about him- or herself using social media. Online Social Connection Online social connection is the belief that online communication enables social contact.

Social Media and Self-Concept (4 of 5) Convenience Convenience is the ease with which people connect with others through social media. Online Apprehension Online communication apprehension is anxiety and nervousness associated with communicating through social media.

Social Media and Self-Concept (5 of 5) Miscommunication Miscommunication is the understanding that social media may naturally inhibit the clarity of communication.

Culture and Self-Concept (1 of 2) Learning Objective 3.3: Characterize the role of culture in determining self-concept.

Culture and Self-Concept (2 of 2) Self-concept varies from one culture to another. It is determined by a combination of cultural norms and behaviors. Individualistic orientation stresses self or personal goals. Collectivistic orientation seeks the well-being of the group.

Gender and Self-Concept (1 of 3) Learning Objective 3.4: Characterize the role of gender in determining self-concept.

Gender and Self-Concept (2 of 3) Gender is a crucial element in our personal and social identity. Sex and Gender Terms are often used interchangeably. Gender refers to socially constructed behaviors that are learned. Sex is defined in biological terms.

Gender and Self-Concept (3 of 3) Gender Stereotypes Stereotypes and narrowly defined role expectations are still accepted by many in Western culture and even more so in certain other cultures. Gender Expectations Sex differences in communication result from gender expectations. Despite some strides toward equality of the sexes, many cultures still have a cultural bias toward masculinity.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and Impression Management (1 of 2) Learning Objective 3.5: Explain the roles of self-fulfilling prophecy and impression management as they relate to self-concept.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and Impression Management (2 of 2) A self-fulfilling prophecy is the expectations we have of ourselves or that others have of us that help to create conditions that lead us to act predictably. Impression Management Impression management involves creating a positive image of oneself to influence others’ perception. This process involves facework, the way we maintain our presenting image.

Enhancing Self-Concept (1 of 2) Learning Objective 3.6: Identify six ways to improve self-concept.

Enhancing Self-Concept (2 of 2) There are six ways you can improve self-concept: Decide what you would like to change or improve about yourself. Describe why you feel the way you do about yourself. Make a commitment to improve or change. Set reasonable goals for yourself. Decide on the specific actions you are going to take. Associate with positive people whenever possible.