What historical developments contributed to the modern concept of the self?
Secularisation, Enlightenment, Industrialisation, Psychoanalysis.
What happens in the red smudge study at age 1?
A 1‑year‑old touches the mirror, not themselves — they don’t recognise the reflection as “me”.
What happens in the red smudge study at age 2?
A 2‑year‑old touches their own face — showing self-recognition.
How does older children’s self‑concept develop?
It becomes more complex, including traits, social roles, and psychological characteristics.
What is the difference between individualist and collectivist selves?
Individualist = self defined by personal traits; collectivist = self defined by group membership and relationships.
In symbolic interactionism, what is the “I”?
The stream of consciousness — the active, experiencing self
In symbolic interactionism, what is the “Me”?
The self as an object — how we think others see us.
What is the Looking Glass Self?
The idea that we form our self‑concept based on how we believe others perceive us.
What are the three parts of the self‑enhancing triad?
Overestimating good qualities, overestimating control, unrealistic optimism
What are self‑schemas?
Cognitive structures that store knowledge about different aspects of the self
What does Showers (1992) say about self‑schema integration?
Highly integrated self‑schemas protect mood; poorly integrated ones make mood more vulnerable.
In Self‑Discrepancy Theory, what is the actual self?
Who you believe you currently are.
In Self‑Discrepancy Theory, what is the ideal self?
The self you strive to become
In Self‑Discrepancy Theory, what is the ought self?
The self you feel obligated or expected to be
What does Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954) propose?
We compare ourselves to similar others to evaluate opinions and abilities
What did Medvec, Madley & Gilovich (1995) find about podium happiness?
Bronze medallists are often happier than silver medallists due to downwards vs upwards comparison
What does the Self‑Evaluation Maintenance Model suggest?
We protect self‑esteem by distancing from upward comparisons or devaluing the domain.
What is Self‑Categorisation Theory?
We shift group identities to maintain self‑esteem depending on context
What is BIRGing?
Basking In Reflected Glory — boosting self‑esteem by associating with successful others.
What is strategic self‑presentation?
Adjusting behaviour to influence how others see us.
What are the five strategic self‑presentation motives (Jones & Pittman, 1982)?
Ingratiation, Intimidation, Exemplification, Supplication, Self‑promotion.
What is expressive self‑presentation?
Demonstrating your true self to gain validation from others.
What did Snyder (1984) show about behavioural expectations?
Expectations shape behaviour — people act in ways that confirm how others treat them.
What are Jones’ (1990) four tactics to win friends?
Be similar but credible, be selectively modest, use the strategy sparingly, discuss winning connections.
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Introduction to developmental psychology34
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Introduction to Music psychology28
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Counselling Psychology31
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Pre and Post Natal Development33
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Self & Identity24
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Psychology of Happiness35
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Occupational psychology33
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Clinical psychology16
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Childhood42
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Prosocial behaviour28
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Child psychology part 219
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Piagets theory of development36
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Introduction to forensic psychology35
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Sport and Exercise Psychology40
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Health Psychology40
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Positive psychology and mindfulness28
