The Self

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The Self
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The self is not a single topic

• Self-esteem
• Self-efficacy
• Self-concept
• Self-appraisal
• Self-deception
• Self-monitoring
• Self-regulation

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Distinguishing Between Concepts Related to the
Self
Self-concept- the sum total of a persons
thoughts and feelings that defines the self as an
object.
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Distinguishing Between Concepts Related to the
Self
Self-concept- the sum total of a persons
thoughts and feelings that defines the self as an
object.

Self-concepts are like grand self-portraits we
paint repaint throughout our lives.
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Distinguishing Between Concepts Related to the
Self
Self-concept- the sum total of a persons
thoughts and feelings that defines the self as an
object.
Self-esteem- a persons evaluation of his or her
self-concept.
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Paying Attention to Yourself
Self-awareness- a psychological state in which
you take yourself as an object of attention.
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Paying Attention to Yourself
Self-awareness- a psychological state in which
you take yourself as an object of attention.
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Some people engage in self-reflection more than
others.

• Self-consciousness- the habitual tendency to
  engage in self-awareness.
• Private self-consciousness

• Public self-consciousness

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Culture Also Impacts the Self-Concept

• Independent cultures self-concepts are made up
  of attributive self-descriptions.
• Interdependent cultures self-concepts have more
  social self-descriptions.
• Ingroup
• Outgroup

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Self-Enhancement Self-Verification
Self-enhancement- the process of seeking out and
interpreting situations so as to attain a
positive view of oneself. Self-verification- the
process of seeking out and interpreting
situations so as to confirm ones self-concept.
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Self-Enhancement Self-Verification These two
processes can be contradictory

• Not for high self-esteem individuals
• Yes for low self-esteem individuals

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Self-Enhancement Self-Verification Self-enhance
ment addresses feelings/emotions Self-verification
addresses thoughts/cognitions
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Self-Esteem Risk Taking
High self-esteem individuals have a buffer should
they fail. Low self-esteem individuals are more
protective because they do not have the buffer.
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Group Performance and Self-Esteem
Bask In Reflected Glory (BIRGing) Cutting Off
Reflected Failure (CORFing) Truly being part of
a group can impact your self-esteem and/or
self-concept.
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Social Interactions as Theater
Strategic self-presentation- conscious and
deliberate efforts to shape other peoples
impressions in order to achieve ulterior goals.
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Common Self-Presentation Strategies

• Self-promotion- the person attempts to convey
  positive information about the self either
  through ones behavior or by telling others about
  ones positive assets and accomplishments.
• Mention a minor flaw

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Common Self-Presentation Strategies

• Exemplification- self-presentation designed to
  elicit perceptions of integrity and moral
  worthiness, while at the same time arousing guilt
  and emulation in others.
• Dont be a hypocrite!

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Common Self-Presentation Strategies

• Modesty- underrepresenting ones positive traits,
  contributions, or accomplishments.
• Only use it when others are aware of your success!

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Common Self-Presentation Strategies

• Intimidation- arousing fear and gaining power by
  convincing others that you are powerful and/or
  dangerous.
• Seen in aggressive sports, strong-armed robbery,
  and parenting.

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Common Self-Presentation Strategies

• Supplication- when an individual advertises his
  or her weakness or their dependence on others,
  hoping to solicit help or sympathy out of a sense
  of social obligation.

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• Common Self-Presentation Strategies
• Sandbagging- falsely claiming or demonstrating to
  onlookers that you have poorer skills or
  abilities than you actually possess.

• Ingratiation- manipulating others impressions of
  us through the use of flattery.
• Slime effect

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People Do Make Mistakes
Self-handicapping- a self presentation strategy
in which a person creates obstacles to his or her
own performance. Two reasons for
self-handicapping 1. Self-esteem
protection 2. Self-esteem enhancement
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High Self-Monitors are Social Chameleons
Self-monitoring- the tendency to use cues from
other peoples self-presentations in controlling
ones own self-presentations.
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High Self-Monitors are Social Chameleons

• High Self-Monitors
• Good actors
• Extraverted
• Willing to change behavior

• Low Self-Monitors
• Not as attentive to cues
• Behave based on attitudes and beliefs
• Consistent behavior
• Less concerned with self-presentation

• Better social skills
• Less intimate and committed relationships
• More superficial