1. Communication and Personal Identity
Chapter 2
Communication and Personal Identity

2. The Self
The self:
A multidimensional process of internalizing and acting from social perspectives
Arises in communication with others
Perspective of particular others
Perspective of the generalized other

3. Particular Others
Particular others are specific people who are significant to us
Direct definition
Reflected appraisal
Self-fulfilling prophecies
Identity scripts
Attachment styles

4. Attachment Styles
Patterns of caregiving that teach us who we and others are and how to approach relationships
Secure
Fearful
Dismissive
Anxious/ambivalent

5. The Generalized Other The views generally held by others in society
Race
Gender
Sexual orientation
Socioeconomic class

6. How Are Perspectives of the Generalized Other Revealed to Us?
We learn them as we interact with others, who have internalized cultural values and pass them on to us
We learn them through media and institutions that reflect cultural values
The institutions that organize our society communicate them by the values they uphold

7. Other Perspectives of Self
The self is multidimensional
The self is a process
Social perspectives are subject to change
Socially constructed views
Variable social views

8. Guidelines for Improving Self-Concept
Make a firm commitment to personal growth
Gain and use knowledge to support personal growth
You need to understand how your self-concept is formed
You need information about yourself
Self-disclosure

9. Johari Window Johari Window: Open area Blind area Hidden area
Unknown area

10. Guidelines for Improving Self-Concept
Set goals that are realistic and fair
Seek contexts that support personal change
Avoid self-sabotage