1. Chapter 2
Summary of Concepts

2. Positive-Negative cycles of self-esteem (evaluations of self worth)
High self-esteem
Positive thoughts “I can do it!”
Desirable behavior
Positive thoughts “I did well!”

3. Positive-Negative cycles of self-esteem (evaluations of self worth)
Low self-esteem
Negative thoughts “I can’t do it!”
Undesirable behavior
Negative thoughts “I failed again”

4. “Who you are” is determined through BIOLOGICAL and SOCIAL roots
Part of “who you are” is genetic, inherited traits. (biological)
Part of “who you are” has developed through your interactions with others. (socially)

5. Influences on self-concept: (#1) Reflected Appraisal
Our self concept is based on how we THINK others see us.
Does this mean it’s accurate?
Imagine getting scolded by a teacher…
“Everyone thinks I’m a dolt!”
“Most people are feeling sympathetic to me”
“That girl over there thinks I’m cool for ‘taking one for the team’”

6. Influences on self-concept: (#2) Significant Others
People whose opinions we especially value
Family members
Friends
Teachers
An acquaintance who left an imprint

7. Influences on self-concept: (#3) Social Comparison
Am I…
Superior?
Inferior?
Alike?
Different?

8. Influences on self-concept: (#4) Reference Groups
Which groups do we choose to compare ourselves to?
What significance do we attach to the reference groups?

9. After Age 30…
Self-concept doesn’t change much without a conscious effort.

10. Characteristics of self-concept: (#1) Self-concept is subjective
“Subjective” means “based on personal feelings rather than facts”
Distortions
Obsolete information (no longer true)
Distorted feedback (“bad” information)
Perfection (unrealistic comparison)

11. Characteristics of self-concept: (#2) Self-concept resists change
“Cognitive conservatism” means paying attention to information that reinforces our current belief.
We seek out people who reinforce our perception of ourselves. (People with low self-esteem are likely to interact with those who view them unfavorably.)

12. Culture and Identity America is a highly individualistic culture.
China is a collective culture (people gain identity by belonging to a group)
In Chinese, the word “I” is similar to the word “selfish.”
In some societies reticence (quietness) is valued.

13. Gender and Identity
Who would you be if you were of the opposite sex?

14. Gender and Identity
Society’s expectations of gender roles can impact self-esteem
“Little girls are more likely to be reinforced for acting ‘sweet’ than are little boys.” (p. 58)
My son is sensitive and introspective. Society has not always rewarded this.

15. Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication
Holding an expectation (for yourself or for others)
Behaving in accordance with that expectation
The expectation coming to pass
Reinforcing the original expectation

16. Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication
Expecting to be ignored at lunch
Staring at your tray, not talking to anyone.
You are ignored!
You think of yourself as unlikeable

17. Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication
Expecting to be included at lunch
Looking up, smiling, starting a conversation
You are included!
You think of yourself as liked

18. Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication
Expecting to have difficulty talking to Mr. Croghan
Scowling, rolling your eyes, thinking negatively
Tense, difficult discussion
You think of yourself as unable to communicate successfully with authorities

19. Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication
Expecting your classmates to like you
Offering help, smiling, inviting them to join you
Classmates respond well to you
You think of yourself as likeable and successful among your classmates

20. Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication – Write your own!
Expecting…
Behaving…
Expectation comes to pass…
Expectation reinforced…

21. CHANGING YOUR SELF-CONCEPT!
1) Have REALISTIC PERCEPTION
HAVE you been receiving “prickly” or “fuzzy” messages?
Consider homemakers who return to college (p.61)
HAVE you received excessively negative feedback?

22. CHANGING YOUR SELF-CONCEPT!
2) Have REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Remember the stages of learning a new skill!
It takes practice to analyze the factors influencing your self-concept.
It takes practice to use POSITIVE self-fulfilling prophecy.
It takes effort to surround yourself with people who will help you change your self-concept.

23. CHANGING YOUR SELF-CONCEPT!
3) Have the WILL to change!
Activity (page 63) Reevaluating Your “Cant’s”
Think of 3 “can’ts” in your communication:
I can’t ask __________ for help.
I can’t tell _____________ how I feel.
I can’t express ____________very well.

24. CHANGING YOUR SELF-CONCEPT!
3) Have the WILL to change!
Activity (page 63) Reevaluating Your “Cant’s”
Consider replacing “can’t” with “won’t”:
I won’t ask __________ for help.
I won’t tell _____________ how I feel.
I won’t express ____________very well.
Does that change the way you look at “can’t?

25. CHANGING YOUR SELF-CONCEPT!
3) Have the SKILL to change!
SEEK knowledge (like this class)
Observe models (people who handle themselves in ways you would like to master)
Become a careful observer; adapt successful behavior to fit your style
Don’t give up easily!

26. Presenting the Self: Communication as Identity Management
IM? “Communication strategies that people use to influence how others view them.”

27. Presenting the Self: Public and Private Selves
“Perceived self” is the person we believe ourselves to be in moments of honest examination.

28. Presenting the Self: Public and Private Selves
“Presenting self” is a public image—the way we want others to view us. (Dan on cell phone example.)

29. Presenting the Self: Characteristics of IM
We strive to construct multiple identities.
This is an element of communication competence.
Language will reflect your choice of presenting yourself.

30. Presenting the Self: Characteristics of IM
IM is collaborative (involving others)
Our “identity” is created through interactions with others

31. Presenting the Self: Characteristics of IM
IM can be deliberate or unconscious
Job interviews
Self at home

32. Presenting the Self: Characteristics of IM
IM varies by situation
First days of school
Getting to know someone

33. Presenting the Self: WHY MANAGE IDENTITIES?
To start and maintain relationships
“Best side” vs. “Phony”

34. Presenting the Self: WHY MANAGE IDENTITIES?
To gain compliance of others
To get others to behave (respond to us) in certain ways
Dress for success (?)

35. Presenting the Self: WHY MANAGE IDENTITIES?
To save face of others
Politeness
Restrain impulses that might make others uncomfortable

36. Presenting the Self: HOW DO WE MANAGE IDENTITIES?
Face-to-face Impression Management
Manner (words and nonverbal actions)
Appearance (what you “announce” through dress and personal items)
Setting (car, home, locker)
Professor at college example

37. Presenting the Self: Identity Management in CMC
CMC offers more control than face-to-face impression management
Instant Messaging
Broadcasting

38. Presenting the Self: Identity Management in CMC
Because CMC offers more control than face-to-face impression management
Easy to present false self
Preferred when self-presentation is threatened

39. Presenting the Self: Identity Management & HONESTY
Managing identities does not make you a liar.
We are always making decisions about our presentation.

40. Presenting the Self: Identity Management & HONESTY
Each of us has a “cast of characters”
There are multiple HONEST ways to respond to situations.

41. Presenting the Self: Identity Management & HONESTY
Someone says something unkind about your friend. What are possible HONEST ways to respond? Which identity does your response promote?
As a calm peacemaker
As an angry fighter
As a loyal friend
As a brave non-fighter

42. Presenting the Self: Identity Management & HONESTY
Your teacher embarrasses you in class. What are possible HONEST ways to respond? Which identity does your response promote?
With anger
With humor
Privately after class
With silent acceptance
With a polite statement of your feelings

43. Presenting the Self: Identity Management & HONESTY
You don’t agree with your boss. What are some possible HONEST responses? What “identity” does each response promote?
Saying nothing; choosing not to respond.
Politely stating your disagreement.
Rolling your eyes; later telling a friend about it.
Stating your disagreement forcefully.