The Self-Concept and Self-Esteem
The Self:
Self-concept and
Self-esteem
Outline and
The ABC’s of self
Affect:
How do we evaluate ourselves (self-esteem), enhance our self-images, and defend against threats to our self-esteem?
Behavior:
How do we regulate our actions and present ourselves according to interpersonal demands (self-presentation)?
Cognition:
How do we come to know ourselves, develop a self-concept, and maintain a stable sense of identity
Self-Concept
Self-Concept: The sum total of beliefs that people have about themselves.
Where do our self-concepts come from?
Introspection
Perceptions of our own behavior
The influences of other people
Autobiographical memories
The cultures in which we live
Where does the self-concept come from? Introspection
Looking inward and examining your own thoughts, feelings, and motives
Some people introspect more than others
Private vs. public self-consciousness
Problems with introspection as a source of self-knowledge:
People don’t spend a lot of time thinking about themselves (Csikszentmihalyi & Figurski, 1982)
Introspection may actually impair self-knowledge (Wilson, 1985)
Sometimes people are just plain wrong (Nisbett & Wilson, 1977)
Introspection may make you feel bad – Self-awareness theory (Duval & Wicklund, 1972)
Where does the self-concept come from?
Observing our own behavior
Where does the self-concept come from?
Observing our own behavior
Self-perception theory (Bem, 1972)
Observing our own behavior to determine our thoughts and attitudes
Only occurs when we are uncertain about how we think or feel
Wells & Petty (1980) study
Overjustification effect
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic motivation
Lepper, Greene, & Nisbett (1973) study
Where does the self-concept come from?
Other people’s Influence
The Looking-Glass Self
Social comparison theory (Festinger, 1954)
Comparing yourself with others in order to gain information about the self
Two-Factor Theory of Emotion (Schacter & Singer, 1962)
Self-concept and
Self-esteem
Outline and
The ABC’s of self
Affect:
How do we evaluate ourselves (self-esteem), enhance our self-images, and defend against threats to our self-esteem?
Behavior:
How do we regulate our actions and present ourselves according to interpersonal demands (self-presentation)?
Cognition:
How do we come to know ourselves, develop a self-concept, and maintain a stable sense of identity
Self-Concept
Self-Concept: The sum total of beliefs that people have about themselves.
Where do our self-concepts come from?
Introspection
Perceptions of our own behavior
The influences of other people
Autobiographical memories
The cultures in which we live
Where does the self-concept come from? Introspection
Looking inward and examining your own thoughts, feelings, and motives
Some people introspect more than others
Private vs. public self-consciousness
Problems with introspection as a source of self-knowledge:
People don’t spend a lot of time thinking about themselves (Csikszentmihalyi & Figurski, 1982)
Introspection may actually impair self-knowledge (Wilson, 1985)
Sometimes people are just plain wrong (Nisbett & Wilson, 1977)
Introspection may make you feel bad – Self-awareness theory (Duval & Wicklund, 1972)
Where does the self-concept come from?
Observing our own behavior
Where does the self-concept come from?
Observing our own behavior
Self-perception theory (Bem, 1972)
Observing our own behavior to determine our thoughts and attitudes
Only occurs when we are uncertain about how we think or feel
Wells & Petty (1980) study
Overjustification effect
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic motivation
Lepper, Greene, & Nisbett (1973) study
Where does the self-concept come from?
Other people’s Influence
The Looking-Glass Self
Social comparison theory (Festinger, 1954)
Comparing yourself with others in order to gain information about the self
Two-Factor Theory of Emotion (Schacter & Singer, 1962)