Chapter 2

Summary of Concepts

Positive-Negative cycles ofself-esteem (evaluations of self worth)

Positive-Negative cycles ofself-esteem (evaluations of self worth)

“Who you are” is determined through BIOLOGICAL and SOCIAL roots

• Part of “who you are” is genetic, inherited traits. (biological)

• Part of “who you are” has developed through your interactions with others. (socially)

Influences on self-concept:(#1) Reflected Appraisal

• Our self concept is based on how we THINK others see us.

• Does this mean it’s accurate?• Imagine getting scolded by a teacher…– “Everyone thinks I’m a dolt!”– “Most people are feeling sympathetic to me”– “That girl over there thinks I’m cool for ‘taking one

for the team’”

Influences on self-concept:(#2) Significant Others

• People whose opinions we especially value• Family members• Friends• Teachers• An acquaintance who left an imprint

Influences on self-concept:(#3) Social Comparison

Influences on self-concept:(#4) Reference Groups

• Which groups do we choose to compare ourselves to?

• What significance do we attach to the reference groups?

After Age 30…

• Self-concept doesn’t change much without a conscious effort.

Characteristics of self-concept:(#1) Self-concept is subjective

• “Subjective” means “based on personal feelings rather than facts”

• Distortions– Obsolete information (no longer true)– Distorted feedback (“bad” information)– Perfection (unrealistic comparison)

Characteristics of self-concept:(#2) Self-concept resists change

• “Cognitive conservatism” means paying attention to information that reinforces our current belief.

• We seek out people who reinforce our perception of ourselves. (People with low self-esteem are likely to interact with those who view them unfavorably.)

Culture and Identity

• America is a highly individualistic culture.• China is a collective culture (people gain

identity by belonging to a group)• In Chinese, the word “I” is similar to the word

“selfish.” • In some societies reticence (quietness) is

valued.

Gender and Identity• Who would you be if you were of the opposite

sex?

Gender and Identity

• Society’s expectations of gender roles can impact self-esteem

• “Little girls are more likely to be reinforced for acting ‘sweet’ than are little boys.” (p. 58)

• My son is sensitive and introspective. Society has not always rewarded this.

Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication

Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication

Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication

Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication

Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication

Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Communication – Write your own!

CHANGING YOUR SELF-CONCEPT!

• 1) Have REALISTIC PERCEPTION– HAVE you been receiving “prickly” or “fuzzy”

messages?– Consider homemakers who return to college

(p.61)– HAVE you received excessively negative feedback?

CHANGING YOUR SELF-CONCEPT!

• 2) Have REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS– Remember the stages of learning a new skill!– It takes practice to analyze the factors influencing

your self-concept.– It takes practice to use POSITIVE self-fulfilling

prophecy.– It takes effort to surround yourself with people

who will help you change your self-concept.

CHANGING YOUR SELF-CONCEPT!

• 3) Have the WILL to change!– Activity (page 63) Reevaluating Your “Cant’s”

Think of 3 “can’ts” in your communication:I can’t ask __________ for help.

I can’t tell _____________ how I feel. I can’t express ____________very well.

CHANGING YOUR SELF-CONCEPT!

• 3) Have the WILL to change!– Activity (page 63) Reevaluating Your “Cant’s”

Consider replacing “can’t” with “won’t”:I won’t ask __________ for help.

I won’t tell _____________ how I feel. I won’t express ____________very well.Does that change the way you look at “can’t?

CHANGING YOUR SELF-CONCEPT!

• 3) Have the SKILL to change!– SEEK knowledge (like this class)– Observe models (people who handle themselves

in ways you would like to master)– Become a careful observer; adapt successful

behavior to fit your style– Don’t give up easily!

Presenting the Self: Communication as Identity Management

• IM? “Communication strategies that people use to influence how others view them.”

Presenting the Self: Public and Private Selves

•“Perceived self” is the person we believe ourselves to be in moments of honest examination.

Presenting the Self: Public and Private Selves

•“Presenting self” is a public image—the way we want others to view us. (Dan on cell phone example.)

Presenting the Self: Characteristics of IM

•We strive to construct multiple identities.–This is an element of

communication competence.–Language will reflect your

choice of presenting yourself.

Presenting the Self: Characteristics of IM

• IM is collaborative (involving others)–Our “identity” is created through interactions with others

Presenting the Self: Characteristics of IM

• IM can be deliberate or unconscious–Job interviews–Self at home

Presenting the Self: Characteristics of IM

• IM varies by situation–First days of school–Getting to know someone

Presenting the Self: WHY MANAGE IDENTITIES?

•To start and maintain relationships–“Best side” vs. “Phony”

Presenting the Self: WHY MANAGE IDENTITIES?

•To gain compliance of others–To get others to behave (respond to us) in certain ways–Dress for success (?)

Presenting the Self: WHY MANAGE IDENTITIES?

•To save face of others–Politeness–Restrain impulses that might make others uncomfortable

Presenting the Self: HOW DO WE MANAGE IDENTITIES?• Face-to-face Impression

Management–Manner (words and nonverbal

actions)–Appearance (what you “announce”

through dress and personal items)–Setting (car, home, locker)•Professor at college example

Presenting the Self: Identity Management in CMC

•CMC offers more control than face-to-face impression management–Instant Messaging–Broadcasting

Presenting the Self: Identity Management in CMC

•Because CMC offers more control than face-to-face impression management–Easy to present false self–Preferred when self-presentation is threatened

Presenting the Self: Identity Management & HONESTY

•Managing identities does not make you a liar.•We are always making decisions about our presentation.

Presenting the Self: Identity Management & HONESTY

•Each of us has a “cast of characters”•There are multiple HONEST ways to respond to situations.

Presenting the Self: Identity Management & HONESTY

Presenting the Self: Identity Management & HONESTY

Presenting the Self: Identity Management & HONESTY