Self-Schemas
How do we define the self?
We have a lot of knowledge about ourselves
This would cause chaos if it was not organized in a systematic way.
Self-Schemas- particular beliefs about the self
Numerous self-schemas that are organized and coherently integrated are what form the notion of self-concept
The self also serves
different functions
Multiplicity of self-conceptions is theoretically important, however, people are guided and influenced by these various conceptions of how they might possibly become.
1. Interpersonal Tool
- Having some kind of identity is a prerequisite for social life and human interaction.
- To sustain a relationship over time requires that identities remain stable over time.
2. Make Choices
- A well-defined self helps person make many large and small decisions in everyday life.
- Self comes to have a collection of values, preferences, and priorities that can be invoked when making decisions.
3. Maintain Self
- The self is a diverse and complex entity and has to be kept in some sort of order (self-regulation)
- Various tasks need to be organized (own body, interpersonal relationships, work, information, etc)
- Emotional states must be kept from going out of control and affecting other areas
Although we use the term "self" everyday, it is difficult to define.
However, it can be broken down into 3 parts
Self
Active agent in making decisions
mentor
friend
SELF-CONCEPT
Totalitarian Ego
The self has the propensity to rewrite history and distort facts in order to support preordained conclusions...
- The ego or self is an organization of knowledge is characterized by cognitive biases similar to totalitarian information control strategies
- Totalitarian ego bias function is to preserve organization and cognitive structures
- The 3 cognitive biases are egocentricity (self as the focus of knowledge), beneffectancy (perception of responsibility for desired but not for undesired outcomes) cognitive conservatism (resistance to cognitive change)
Self-Concept...through the eyes of a princess
SELF-CONCEPT
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/disney-housewives/1388796
TOTAL organized body of information that any
given person has of him or herself.