社会心理学ch02The Self.pptVIP

Chapter Two The Self I. The Nature of the Self The Self The self is a symbol-using, self-reflective, social being. Selves develop only in a social context. The Nature of the Self Theories are based on the insights of George Herbert Mead and William James. Both theorists draw the distinction between the “I” and the “me.” Mead The self emerges as a result of social interaction. Symbolic interaction and reflected appraisal The process of self-development occurs in three stages: preparatory, play, and game stages. James Emotional identification with objects causes them to be integrated into the me. Thus, the self is constantly changing as emotional ties to components of the self change. What we emotionally identify with will serve as the basis for judging our own self-worth. Contemporary Research As human beings we are aware of our self-aspirations and how our appearance and behavior are seen and judged by others. The “I” is the executive function of the self, the “me” is the self-concept. III. The Self as a Target of Attention and Active Agent Self-awareness Self-awareness is a temporary psychological state that has both private and public components. Self-awareness development.  Is measured in infants by testing their self-recognition. It appears to develop at about 18 months. Other Primates Chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans (but not monkeys) appear to have self-awareness abilities. Social interaction appears to be a prerequisite for self-awareness in these primates as well as in humans. Private and Public Self-awareness  Private self-awareness is the temporary state of being aware of hidden or private self-aspects. It results in intensification of affect, clarification of knowledge, and greater adherence to personal standards of behavior. Private and Public Self-awareness Public self-awareness is the temporary state of being aware of public self-aspects.  It results in evaluation apprehension, a temporary loss of self-esteem, and greater