Chapter 2 Self in Interpersonal Communication

Self-Concept = how you view yourself or your self image How the self-concept is developed: Reflected Appraisal- we match the way we believe others see us.

Communication and the Self- Concept Significant Others-messages from people we value impact our self-concept Social Comparison-evaluating ourselves in terms of how we compare with others (Reference groups)

Characteristics of the self-concept The self-concept is subjective Distorted feedback- negative feedback Obsolete information-Past failures effect present circumstances

Cont’d. Self Verification-Seeking Confirmation Perfection Social Expectations

The Self Concept… Resists Change –Cognitive Conservatism-to seek and attend to information that conforms to an existing self concept. (obsolete information) Influences Identity –Culture –Ethnicity –Sex & Gender

A stable set of perceptions that you hold of yourself Others’ Images of You Social Comparisons Cultural Teachings Your Own Interpretations & Experiences

Self-Esteem = own evaluation of worth A.Attack Your Self- Destructive Beliefs B.Engage in Self- Affirmation C.Seek Out Nourishing People High self- esteem Think highly of others Evaluate their behaviors with positive regard Positive thoughts

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Self-fulfilling prophecy- occurs when a persons expectations of an event make the event more likely to occur Self-imposed Imposed by others

Presenting the Self Identity Management- the communication strategies that people use to influence how other view them. Perceived self- the person you believe yourself to be in moments of honest reflection Presenting self-the way you want others to view you Ideal self- the person you desire to be

Identity Management We Strive to construct multiple identities Identity Management is Collaborative Can be deliberate or unconscious Varies by situation People differ in their degree of identity management