1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.