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short conceptual summary of self and its processes.
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SELF AND ITS PROCESSESSELF-CONCEPT
It refers to our understanding about us. It provides a clue to what he or she
thinks about them. Each individual has a self-concept of themselves which
consists of those characteristics which they feel are important and related to
them self and is their identity. It is related to our capabilities, nature,
personality and other personal characteristics which help us to define who we
are. Further, our self-concept is also dependent on situation, that is, we react
differently in different situation.
For example, you might consider as fun loving, adventurous, sports person,
good leader or traditional, less confident and so on. Our identity with any
organization, membership, culture or family also is a part of our self-concept.
Formation of Self-Concept
Our definition of self-concept is developed through our experiences and
interaction with others. Some of the theorists have given certain explanation
towards the process of development self-concept, few of them can be
explained as follows:
Looking Glass Self
The looking glass self-theory says that we try to form our self-image and
concept on basis of what others believe about us. So, self-concept is developed
through other people’s reactions towards us and how we believe other people
see us. For example, if your friend says–"you are too benevolent” and there
have been similar occasions when others have come to you to discuss their
problems. These collective thoughts evoke emotional responses and the
characteristics of benevolence is added to your self-concept.
Social Comparison Theory
According to this theory comparison of self with others leads to development
of self-concept. We compare and evaluate ourself with others on basis of two
dimensions: superiority/ inferiority and similarity/ difference. The
, characteristics like level of intelligence, attractiveness, creativity and so on,
which are used for comparison falls under the dimension of superiority and
inferiority. For Example, you might judge yourself to be more attractive than
your friend or less creative than your sister, then all these judgements are
become a part of your self-concept.
The groups with which we compare ourselves is called as reference groups.
Comparing and evaluating of self with others is not harmful but the reference
group with which we compare should be reasonable, appropriate and
adequate.
Social comparison is also done on basis of similarities and differences with
others. There may be situations when our similarity with reference group is
more desirable while at certain circumstances difference with others is more
desirable.
It depends upon whether we want to fit in or we want to stand out (e.g., on
basis of age, personality) differently from the reference group. Yet, it is to be
understood that, there can positive and negative consequences of social
comparison.
Self Esteem
Self-esteem refers to the judgments and evaluations we make of our concept
of self. It is an evaluation of our self, e.g. Are you honest…dishonest; good…?
bad? or Who are you? Like our self-concept, self-esteem also differs from
situation to situation and across our lifetime. Self-esteem is one of the
contributing factors toward our self-concept while self-perception also plays a
significant role in developing our sense of self.
Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy refers to the evaluations that people make about their ability to
perform a task within a specific context. The feedback of our potent and
abilities that we get from others reinforces our self-perception and self-
efficacy. So, if the perception of self is positive; more is the confidence level
and more will be the self-efficacy. Therefore, self-perception affects our
behaviour and responses. While some of this process is under our control,
much of it is also shaped by the people in our lives. Positive feedback increases
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