Self Concept - Research Paper Example

Self Concept Abstract This paper will examine the concept of the self. Primarily, the paper will include a definition of the self concept. The paper will discuss how an individual develops the concept self concept. The paper will also focus on the relationship between the self and emotion and how this relationship affects an individual’s self esteem. Lastly, the paper will address the relationship between self and behavior and how this relationship affects an individual’s self representation. Definition of self concept According to Baumeister (1999), self concept refers to the way we perceive ourselves, think about ourselves, and evaluate ourselves. Primarily, to be aware of oneself can be regarded as the concept of the self. The term applies when referring to how a person thinks bout themselves and the view they have concerning how they relate to others. The concept of the self encompasses the individual’s definition of self on the basis of the social roles that one undertakes. Moreover, self concept may entail how a person assesses their status with respect to various human definitions or a single trait. Personal and societal norms act as criteria for self evaluation. Development of the self-concept The development of self concept happens through a number of ways. Social interaction provides a basis for the development of self concept. The various views concerning the development of self concept include self appraisal, reflected appraisal, social comparison and biased scanning. Theorists argue that self appraisal plays an essential role in the development of self concept. This happens when as person labels his own dominant behavior based on what is socially acceptable or unacceptable. For example, some behaviors may be regarded as social, and others to be antisocial. As a person observes his own behavior, they may develop awareness that their behavior is either social or antisocial (Baumeister, 1999). Self concept development may also occur through reflective appraisal or the looking glass self theory. This theory holds that appraisals from other people determine and mold the concept of the self. However, the extent of influence of the appraisals depends on the characteristics of the appraiser. When the appraiser is credible, the impact of the appraisal on the person to be appraised is significant (Baumeister, 1999). Moreover, the number of confirmations on an appraisal determines the influence of the appraisal. Several appraisals from various consistent sources also have a positive impact on the development of the self. Appraisals should support a person’s beliefs concerning him or herself; this develops self concept. Appraisals from significant others such as friends, parents, and other close people in one’s life have a significant influence on the development of the self concept. The social comparison theory also discusses the development of self concept. This theory holds that a person’s self concept depends on how they view themselves as compared to others. The main proponent of this theory is Veblen, who concentrated on why people have the desire to more than what they need. He argued that this happens as we compare ourselves to others (Baumeister, 1999). A person aims to have a high rank in the society as compared to others by accumulating more and more property, Negative comparison with others leads to feelings of dissatisfaction and negative self concept. Self concept develops positively when people compare their beliefs with that of others. The reaffirmation that one’s beliefs, attitudes, and behavior are desirable significantly contributes to development of self concept. The biased scanning theory also explains the development of self concept. This theory entails the relationship between motivations and biased and biased scanning. The theory holds that the development of self concept emanates from scanning of the environment in order to determine how well a person meets aspirations that they have. Motivations gained from the environment help a person to attain the goals, which they have set in life. For example if a person gets motivated to be successful, he is most likely to seek information that reinforces this aspiration and avoid any information that contradicts their aspirations. Thus, perceptual scanning entails bias towards how we would like to see ourselves (Baumeister, 1999). The relationship between the self and emotion and how this relationship affects an individual’s self-esteem. There exists a strong relationship between the self and emotion. This relationship has a profound impact on an individual’s self esteem. Positive emotions have a significant impact on the self. People may be confident about who they are when others view them positively. Besides, having a positive view of oneself can have significant benefits (Baumeister, 1999). Desirable emotions lead to high self esteem in an individual. This is because they make a person believe in himself; as a result, one develops appropriate self esteem. On the other hand, negative emotions lead to feelings of inferiority and negative self concept. This, in turn, leads to low self confidence, as person views themselves as useless and stupid. Therefore, how one views themselves and how others say about him have an impact on self esteem. The relationship between the self and behavior and how this relationship affects an individual’s self-presentation. Baumeister (1999) asserts that the view of oneself has an influence on a person’s behavior. For example, having a positive self concept leads to desirable behavior in an individual. Antisocial behavior can be related to negative self concept. This is because negative self esteem causes feelings of inferiority and negative self worth. As a result, a person may try to get solace from antisocial behavior. People, who have a positive view about themselves, are likely to have a desirable presentation. Negative views may make a person care less about how they present themselves since they may think that they are useless. On this regard, therefore, self concept has a significant impact on behavior and self presentation of the individual. Thus, in conclusion, the self concept refers to how an individual views themselves. It can develop in a number of ways. Various theories explain the development of the self concept. These theories include self appraisal, reflected appraisal, social comparison and biased scanning. Concept of the self also influences emotions and esteem. The self has a significant impact on the behavior and self presentation. References Baumeister, R. F. (1999). The self in social psychology. Philadelphia: Psychology Press. Read More