Quiz Number 2 in Understanding the Self

The self from Ppsychological perspective

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THE SELF FROM PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Have you ever considered the influence of our subconscious mind on how we perceive ourselves? This
module explores the psychology behind our self-perception.
The Self as a Cognitive Construction
Our self-awareness is constantly influenced by cognitive processes such as perception, interpretation, and
memory. It emphasizes the dynamic nature of the individual that features its evolution through personal
experiences, beliefs, and social interactions. This perspective indicates that our self-concept is flexible and
changes as we incorporate new information and reinterpret our experiences, which shape how we
perceive ourselves and the environment.
William James’ Self Theory (“I” self vs. “Me” self)
William James was an American psychologist and philosopher who proposed that an individual's
perception of self consists of two categories: I and Me.
Two Aspects of the Self
• “I” self – This is how we experience ourselves in the present moment, including our thoughts,
feelings, and actions. It’s about being aware of ourselves as we live and reacting in real time.

Examples: When you reflect on your thoughts and feelings about a recent experience, such as
contemplating how you felt during a challenging conversation.
Deciding based on your values and preferences, like choosing a career path that aligns with your passions.
• “Me” self – This is the objective part of ourselves, made up of our traits, roles, and how we see
ourselves based on past experiences and social feedback. It’s more stable and forms our enduring
self-image.

Examples: Identifying yourself as a student, friend, or sibling based on your roles in different social
contexts.
Recognizing your physical attributes, such as being tall or having blue eyes, which contributes to self-
perception.
Global model vs. Differentiated model
Understanding cultural differences is crucial in today's interconnected world. Scholars use global and
differentiated models to study these differences, focusing on universal patterns and uniqueness within
each context.
• Global Model – This model highlights how traits, values, and self-concept remain consistent across
different situations, suggesting that fundamental aspects of the self define one's identity regardless
of external factors. It proposes that personality traits and core values endure and shape behavior
consistently over time and across diverse cultural contexts.

Example: Harper is known for her kindness and patience among friends, family, and colleagues. Whether
helping a friend through a tough time, resolving conflicts at work, or spending time with family, Harper

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consistently demonstrates these traits. It illustrates how her personality traits remain stable and define
her identity across various social contexts.
• Differentiated Model – This refers to a psychological and interpersonal theory developed by Murray
Bowen, a psychiatrist and researcher in the field of family therapy.
Differentiation of Self
1. Intrapsychic Differentiation – It is when we can tell apart our thoughts from our emotions.

Example: Paul might decide to pursue his own career goals despite family expectations, like choosing art
over medicine because it’s what he truly wants for himself.
2. Interpersonal Differentiation – It is when we can distinguish our experience from the experience of
people we are connected to.

Example: Adrian might respectfully disagree with a close friend’s political views without feeling the need
to argue or distance himself. It allows him to maintain individuality while nurturing relationships.

Overall, Bowen's theory emphasizes how these forms of differentiation contribute to individual and
relational health within families and broader social contexts.
Carl Rogers’ Self Theory (Real vs. Ideal Self)
Carl Rogers, a key figure in humanistic psychology, introduced a theory of self-focusing on personal
growth and fulfillment. His theory distinguishes between the real self (one's current identity) and the
ideal self (aspirations). It is crucial to understand how individuals perceive themselves and aim for
harmony in their lives. Rogers' insights explore the dynamics of personal identity and psychological well-
being.
• Real Self – It refers to how individuals perceive themselves currently, including their beliefs,
attitudes, and behaviors based on their actual experiences and self-reflection.

Example: John believes he is a reliable and hardworking employee who consistently meets deadlines and
contributes effectively to team projects. This perception of himself reflects his real self based on his actual
behaviors and self-assessment.
• Ideal Self – It refers to the person we aspire to be, reflecting our goals, values, and envisioned
accomplishments for personal growth and fulfillment. It represents our highest aspirations and the
best version of ourselves that we aim to achieve.

Example: Samantha aspires to become a skilled public speaker who confidently delivers engaging
presentations to large audiences. She envisions engaging others through her articulate communication
skills. This vision represents Samantha's ideal self, reflecting her aspirations and goals for personal growth
and achievement.

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David Lester’s Theory (Multiple vs. Unified Selves)
David Lester is a psychologist renowned for his research in suicide prevention, personality assessment,
and humanistic psychology. His work explores individual differences and the complexities of human
behavior, bridging psychological theory with practical applications for mental health. He introduced the
concept of multiple and unified selves within the framework of psychology.
• Multiple Selves – Individuals can exhibit different identities or behaviors in various situations or
roles.

Example: Julia acts confidently at work but is more reserved in social settings with friends, demonstrating
different aspects of her personality in other contexts.
• Unified Self – It refers to a cohesive identity that integrates various aspects of the self into a
harmonious whole.

Example: Emily maintains a stable self-concept that aligns with her values and beliefs across different life
domains.
Donald W. Winnicott’s Theory (True Self vs. False Self)
Donald Woods Winnicott was a famous psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and English pediatrician who
developed an interesting approach to the human personality. He introduced the concept of the true self
and the false self.
• True Self – It represents the authentic and innate qualities of an individual. It reflects one’s core
identity and genuine feelings.

Example: William pursues a career in music because he has a deep passion for it, despite societal
pressures to choose a more conventional profession.
• False Self – It refers to a protective persona formed in response to external pressures, expectations,
or traumas. It masks the true self to cope with social demands or avoid rejection.

Example: Oliver pretends to like certain music or fashion trends just to fit in with a particular peer group,
hiding his true preferences.
Winnicott believed nurturing the true self fosters psychological well-being, while excessive reliance on the
false self can lead to inner conflict and emotional distress.
The Self as a Proactive and Agentic by Albert Bandura
Albert Bandura was a Canadian-born American psychologist best known for his social learning theory,
the concept of self-efficacy, and his famous Bobo doll experiments, which emphasized the proactive
nature of human agency.
• Proactive behavior– It refers to self-initiated behavior aimed at addressing problems before they
arise.

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Example: A student takes the initiative to organize a study group, prepares study materials in advance,
and actively participates in discussions to enhance their understanding of the subject.

• Agentic behavior – It refers to the ability to control one’s goals, actions, and destinies.

Example: An entrepreneur identifies a market opportunity, develops a business plan, secures funding,
and takes proactive steps to launch and grow their startup, demonstrating agency in pursuing
entrepreneurial goals.

Bandura’s concept of human agency underscores that individuals actively shape their actions, thoughts,
and environments. By making deliberate decisions, setting clear goals, and taking decisive steps to
achieve desired outcomes, individuals exercise the authority to influence and direct their lives according
to their beliefs and intentions.

This concept emphasizes that individuals are not passive recipients of circumstances but active agents
who can control their lives through their beliefs and actions.
Four (4) Core Properties of Human Agency
1. Intentionality – It refers to setting goals and making plans to achieve something.

Example: Luna sets a goal to become a more confident public speaker. She decides to enroll in a public
speaking course and commits to practicing regularly.

2. Forethought – It refers to thinking ahead and planning actions based on expected outcomes.

Example: Before each presentation, Luna visualizes herself delivering her speech confidently. She
prepares by organizing her thoughts, creating visual aids, and rehearsing her delivery.

3. Self-reactiveness – It refers to monitoring and evaluating one’s behavior and emotions.

Example: During her first presentation, Luna notices that she speaks too quickly and feels nervous. She
acknowledges this feedback from her instructor and classmates, recognizing the need to improve her
pacing and manage her anxiety.

4. Self-reflection – It refers to rewarding or adjusting behaviors based on self-evaluation and feedback.

Example: Luna addresses her challenges by practicing speaking slower, using relaxation techniques before
presentations, and seeking feedback from peers to improve her delivery. She celebrates small successes
and adjusts her approach as she learns and progresses.
Reference:
Corpuz, R., et al. (2019). Understanding the Self. C & E Publishing, Inc.
The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family. (n.d.). Differentiation of self.
https://www.thebowencenter.org/differentiation-of-self.
Main, P. (2022, January 20). Carl Rogers’ theory. Structural Learning. https://www.structural-
learning.com/post/carl-rogers-theory.
Michael. (2018, July 26). Donald Winnicott and His Theory about the False Self. Exploring Your Mind.
https://exploringyourmind.com/donald-winnicott-and-his-theory-about-the-false-self/.

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MSEd, K. C. (2022a, November 7). What is Self-Concept? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-
self-concept-2795865.
MSEd, K. C. (2024, June 25). Self-efficacy and why believing in yourself matters. Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-efficacy-2795954.
Sansom, T. (2024, June 2). True or false: Winnicott’s notions of self. The Weekend University.
https://theweekenduniversity.com/true-or-false-winnicotts-notions-of-self/.
Simply Psychology. (2024, February 2). Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-cognitive-theory.html.
The School of Life. (2024, March 12). The true and the false self. https://www.theschooloflife.com/article/the-true-
and-the-false-self/.