Self and Self-Concept

Interested in self because:

--Self is a product of interpersonal communication

--Self affects how we communicate with others

--Changes in the self = changes in relationships

Self Concept: collection of qualities we attribute to ourselves (text: subjective description of who we are)

Model of Self

& Self Concept

Model of Self:

Real, Ideal, &

Presented Self

Ideal Self:

--Idealized Image: An Unobtainable Ideal Self

--Committed Image: An Achievable Ideal Self

--Moral Image: How the Self “Should” be.

Self as

Multidimensional

Symbolic Interaction & the Symbolic Self

Behavior

Self Concept Others’ Perception

Others’

Rx/Behaviors

Mediating Factors

a. d.

b. e.

c. f.

The Self Concept is a process

--On-going over time: Changes

--Irreversible

--Cumulative—Helix Model

The Self Concept is subjective (Perceptually Biased)

Self Concept is influenced by culture.

Healthy Self Concept is flexible.

Self Concept resists change.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy (Symbolic Interaction)

--Self Generated --Other Generated

People vary in terms of Self-Awareness