Self-Perceptions
Self-concept
Self-esteem
- Evaluative – How do I feel about it?
Perceived Competence
- How capable do I feel in a particular domain?
Different sources of information can be used to judge competence.
Examples:
- Self-comparison
- Game outcome or ease of learning
- Social comparison
Theoretical points to consider...
If unidimensional, life domains carry equal value. Combined value = global self-esteem.
If multidimensional, life domains may or may not carry equal value (NOT summed).
Domains are hierarchically organized w/ subdomains. Subdomain of self-esteem are believed to be more amenable to change.
Physical self-esteem very important across the lifespan
Exercise has been shown to increase physical SE, although we need a lot more research, particularly interventions
Exercise and Self-esteem Model (EXSEM)
- Affects more specific levels first, eventually should generalize to global self-esteem
Exercise Self-Esteem Model
The Structure
of Self-Esteem
Strategies for Enhancing Self-Esteem
The Structure of Self-Esteem
Harter's Model Illustrated
Age & Gender Differences
1. Develop actual and perceived competence
Focus on skill development, provide feedback
2. Encourage multiple competence domains
Don’t have to be the best at everything!
3. Structure social evaluations
Be careful of language - i.e., “Looks like an athlete”
4. Promote positive affect
Increase enjoyment, decrease anxiety
5. Provide remedial support
Lowest SE has greatest potential for improving
How are perceptions formed?
The Structure of Self-esteem
Global self-esteem
or self-worth
(parents --> peers--> self)
- Accuracy increases with age
- Adolescent girls - self-comparison & feedback from peers, boys - outcome & ease of learning
Global
Domain-specific
Subdomain
Situation-specific
Harter's Model of Perceived Competence
Defining the Self
- The self is multidimensional
- The number of domains of the self increase with age (developmental):
- Children = cognitive, physical, social, and behavioral domains
- Adults = 12 domains
- The importance associated with a domain determines it’s impact
Self-Perceptions...
"an individual’s thoughts and feelings about her/himself in general, or about her/his abilities in a particular domain"
Self-perceptions help explain differences in:
- Emotional reactions
- Motivation
- Performance
2 important questions:
- How are self-perceptions formed?
- How do they influence behavior?
Dr. Sean Mullen