Chapter 2 Summary of Concepts. Positive-Negative cycles of self-esteem (evaluations of self worth)...
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Transcript of Chapter 2 Summary of Concepts. Positive-Negative cycles of self-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:(#4) Reference Groups
• Which groups do we choose to compare ourselves to?
• What significance do we attach to the reference groups?
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
• 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.
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.