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Chapter 2. Summary of Concepts. Positive -Negative cycles of self-esteem (evaluations of self worth). Positive- Negative cycles of self-esteem (evaluations of self worth). “Who you are” is determined through BIOLOGICAL and SOCIAL roots.
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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:(#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 – 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.