1. Self-Concept

2. Self-Concept vs. Self-Esteem Self-Concept = “The relatively stable set of perceptions you hold of yourself.” –Physical appearance –Skills –Social roles –Personality –Emotional state Self-Esteem = How you feel about your self-concept. –Good or bad evaluations –High and Low Self- Esteem

3. Development of the Self-Concept Reflected Appraisal - “I see me how I think you see me.” Social Comparison – How do you measure up? –Superior or Inferior? –Same or Different From Others?

4. Self-Fulfilling Prophecies “Occur when a person’s expectations of an event and her or his subsequent behavior based on those expectations make the outcome more likely to occur than would otherwise have been true.” Two Types: Self-imposed prophecies Others’ expectations (that are communicated to us)

5. Characteristics of the Self- Concept The Self-Concept is Subjective: May be unrealistically favorable, or unrealistically negative Obsolete information Distorted feedback Myth of perfection High self-esteem may be viewed as being conceited A Healthy Self-Concept is Flexible The Self-Concept Resists Change Appraisals from someone we see as competent to offer it Appraisal must be highly personal Appraisal must be reasonable, compared to our current self-concept Consistent and numerous appraisals are more persuasive

6. So how do you change your self- concept? Have Realistic Expectations Have a Realistic Perception of Yourself Surround Yourself with Supportive People Be Willing to Change Attain Skills to Change –Books –Advice (friends, experts, counselors) –Observe others

7. Identity Management Self-Presentation How do we use communication strategies to influence how others see us? How do we want others to see us?

8. The Private (“Perceived”) Self - How we see ourselves The Public (“Presenting”) Self - How we want to appear to others

9. Characteristics of Identity Management We Construct Multiple Identities/Roles Identity Management is Collaborative Impression Management Can Be Intentional or Unconscious Some People Self-Monitor (Manage their Identities) More than Others

10. Why do we even worry about Identity Management? Social Rules To Accomplish Personal Goals To Be Accepted/To Maintain Relationships Since we cannot not communicate, we might as well choose what kind of impression we want to make.

11. How do we manage impressions? “In vivo” –Manner –Physical Appearance –Setting Mediated Communication –Provides less of an impression –Allows the impression to be more carefully managed

12. But are we being honest when we’re managing impressions? May be honest or dishonest It depends on the context Identity management: ISN’T choosing whether to be honest or dishonest IS choosing which side of yourself to reveal (since we are all complex, multi- faceted people)