Two Types of Identity Personal/independent identity—see ourselves as unique individuals; independent of other people Social/collective identity—see ourselves as part of a group These are on a continuum; we see ourselves differently at different points in time.

Self-concept Your answers to the question “Who am I?” Global self-concept includes self-schemas, the specific beliefs that we perceive about ourselves (smart, funny, extroverted, etc.) Self-schemas are a way to organize information about ourselves. Allow us to answer questions about ourselves automatically.

Self-reference effect The idea that information about ourselves is processed and remembered more efficiently. People are egocentric. They spend a lot of time thinking about themselves and their traits.

Development of Self-concept Starts to develop in infancy with self-awareness Ages 3-12: based on skills & talents and social comparison Adolescence: becomes more abstract; perspective-taking develops

Self-awareness The first level of self to emerge in both evolutionary and developmental history. Three types of self-awareness: 1. Subjective 2. Objective 3. Symbolic

Terror Management Theory Our awareness that we will one day die creates existential terror. To combat this fear, we try to give our life meaning and be good members of society. Leads to positive self-esteem, which acts as a buffer against the anxiety of impending death.

Uncomfortable aspects of self-awareness Spotlight effect: we see ourselves as being more noticeable and important than we really are; can lead to uncomfortable feelings Illusion of transparency: We believe others can easily read our emotions. Less likely to behave immorally while self-aware.

Self-consciousness Can be private or public. Private—focusing on mood, emotions, personal standards Public—focusing on physical appearance, appraisals from others Social anxiety—tendency to become upset by social attention

Self-complexity How the self-concept is organized. Those with high degrees of self-complexity have distinct aspects of the self; their roles don’t overlap much. Low self-complexity: more overlap in roles. Identity interference: tension that results when important roles interfere with each other

Self-discrepancies Actual self—what people often refer to as the self-concept; the attributes that you believe that you have Ideal self—attributes you wish you had Ought self—attributes that you think you’re obligated to have Ideal and ought selves result from interaction with parents

Real vs. Possible Selves Associated with Hazel Markus Possible selves are what we dream of becoming, or alternately dread becoming Possible selves guide us through life & motivate us to achieve goals or avoid failures.

Unrealistic optimism People are unrealistically optimistic about their ability to change. It’s called “illusory optimism.” Can lead people to take chances with their lives or health.