The Self

What is the self? Two aspects combine for a coherent identity: self concept –The self is composed of our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves = self concept self-awareness –The self if the active processor of information where we think about ourselves = self-awareness Analogy: Your self is both a book (self concept) and the reader of the book (self-awareness) When does the sense of self develop? Are we the only species with a sense of self?

What are the functions of the self? Organizational function –Self-schemas –Self-schemas: how do they compare to schemas from Chapter 4? –Self-reference effect –Self-reference effect: how does this effect compare to our discussion the first day about personal relevance? Executive function –Self regulatory resource model –Self regulatory resource model: would the same factors that decrease automaticity from Chapter 4 also decrease self-regulation?

What Is Self-presentation? Self presentationSelf presentation - the process through which we try to control the impressions people form of us More likely to self present when you are the object of attention –The attention can be real (in public eye) –There is a general tendency to overestimate the actual attention we receive (Spotlight Effect) –Some people have a tendency to be chronically aware of oneself as in the public eye (Public self-consciousness) –Some people have a tendency to be chronically concerned with one’s public image and to adjust one’s actions to fit the needs of the current situation (Self-monitoring)

Goals of Self-presentation To be seen as likeable (ingratiation)To be seen as likeable (ingratiation) To be seen as competent (self-promotion)To be seen as competent (self-promotion) To be seen as powerful (intimidation)To be seen as powerful (intimidation)

Goal: To appear likeable Express Liking for Others Create Similarity Make Ourselves Physically Attractive Goals of Self-presentation

Goal: To Appear Competent Using the Trappings of Competence Making Excuses or Claiming Obstacles Claiming Competence Goals of Self-presentation

Goal: To Convey Status Basking in Reflective Glory Nonverbal dominance Display Artifacts of Power Goals of Self-presentation

Knowing ourselves through Introspection –Self-Awareness Theory –Causal Theories Knowing ourselves through our own behavior –Self-Perception Theory –Intrinsic versus Extrinsic motivation Using other people to understand ourselves –Social Comparison Theory Downward social comparison, and why? Upward social comparison, and why?