The Self emerges @ …
infancy
pass the recognition test @ approx…
18-24 months
Self-schema
Cognitive structure that represents knowledge about self
Attributes + identities central to how we think about ourselves
Most complex schema type
self-reference effect
We encode + remember info better when we relate it to the self
self-perception theory
We gain insight into self by observing, interpreting and drawing inferences based on our own behaviour
I am what I do
Occurs when freely chosen + cannot be attributed to an obvious external factor
Looking glass self
Reflected appraisals
We gain insight into self by observing + reflecting upon others reactions to us
We see ourselves as others see us
Amplified by social media
Social comparison theory
We learn about ourselves by comparing ourselves with others
Grades, status, wealth
Comparison occurs even in the presence of objective info
Comparison may be upward or downward
Amplified by social media
upward social comparison
Negative self-perception
Discouraging
Can be motivating
downward social comparison
Positive self-perception
Encouraging
Can lead to ‘coasting’
May strategically compare downwards to make ourselves feel better
temporal comparisons
Comparing self at two points in time
Past vs present
Upward temporal comparison
Present self, worse than past
downward temporal comparison
Past self, worse than present
dimensional comparisons
Comparing ability on two domains
English vs math
upward dimensional comparison
Negative perceptions on self on first domain
downward dimensional comparison
Positive perceptions on self on first domain
what comparison type is the strongest, whats the weakest?
strongest = social downward
weakest = temporal
self-categorisations
Depending on context, people may see themselves in their groups or not
group-based social comparisons
We are motivated to achieve/maintain positive, distinct social identity
Compare ourselves to other groups
self-discrepency theory
Body image etc
Discrepancies between three selves cause negative emotions
3 selves in self-discrepancy theory:
- actual self - how we think we currently are
- ought self - how we think we should be
- ideal self - how we would like to be
3 self motives
- Self assessment - desire for true, accurate info about self
- self-enhancement - desire for positive info about self, dismissing negative info
- self-verification - desire for info confirming existing beliefs about self, dismissing disconfirming info
Self-determination theory: what three conditions do the self thrive within?
- competency
- autonomy
- relatedness
Self-presentation
Private self
- how you actually are
- how you see yourself
Public self
- how you think you come across to others
- how you think others see you
Spotlight effect
Tendency to believed we are being noticed more than we really are
