Communication and Self-Concept, Continued… Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Chapter 3 Communication and Self-Concept, Continued…

Section 1 COMMUNICATION AND THE SELF-CONCEPT Interplay Section 1 COMMUNICATION AND THE SELF-CONCEPT Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Communication and the Self-Concept Self-concept, defined: A relatively stable set of perceptions you hold of yourself. Imagine a special mirror that reflect physical features and allow you to view other aspects of yourself. Reflection is your self- concept. Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Communication and Self-Esteem Self-esteem, defined: Part of the self-concept that involves evaluations of self- worth. How does high or low self- esteem affect communication behavior? What do the authors mean by: “Although self-esteem has obvious benefits, it doesn’t guarantee interpersonal success”? Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

How the Self-Concept Develops Reflected appraisal, defined: A mirroring of the judgments of those around you. “Significant others” are people whose evaluations are especially influential. How is the self-concept formed through reflected appraisal? What are some potential pitfalls of reflected appraisal? Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Social Comparison Social comparison, defined: Evaluating ourselves in terms of how we compare with others. Reference groups People we use to evaluate our own characteristics. How can social comparison give a person an overly positive or overly negative self-concept? Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Section 2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SELF-CONCEPT Interplay Section 2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SELF-CONCEPT Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

The Self-Concept is Subjective We inflate and/or underestimate our self- perception. How may an individual’s self- perception be influenced by: obsolete information? distorted feedback? the myth of perfection? social expectations? Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

A Healthy Self-Concept is Flexible Why must our self- concept change in order to stay realistic? Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

The Self-Concept Resists Change Why do we resist revision of our self- perception? Cognitive conservatism, defined: Seeking information that conforms to an existing self-concept. Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Changing Our Self-Concept Four requirements: Trusting an appraisal by someone we see as competent to offer it. Appraisal must be perceived as highly personal. Appraisal must be reasonable in light of what we believe about ourselves. Appraisal must be consistent and numerous. Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Section 3 THE SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY AND COMMUNICATION Interplay Section 3 THE SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY AND COMMUNICATION Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and Communication Self-fulfilling prophecy, defined: When a person expectations of an event, and her or high subsequent behavior based on those expectations, make the outcome more likely to occur than would otherwise have true. Four stages: Holding an expectation (for yourself or for others) Behaving in accordance with that expectation The expectation coming to pass Reinforcing the original expectation Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Types of Self-Fulfilling Prophecies Type #1: Self-imposed Your own expectations influence your behavior. Research: “Communicators who believed they were incompetent proved less likely than others to pursue rewarding relationships and more likely to sabotage their existing relationships.” Type #2: When a person’s expectations govern another’s actions, whether positive or negative. “Pygmalion effect” = positive “Golem” effect = negative Observer must communicate their belief for the prediction to have an effect. Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Changing Your Self-Concept Have realistic expectations. Have a realistic perception of yourself. Have the will to change. Have the skill to change. Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Section 4 PRESENTING THE SELF: COMMUNICATION AS IDENTITY MANAGEMENT Interplay Section 4 PRESENTING THE SELF: COMMUNICATION AS IDENTITY MANAGEMENT Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Identity Management Identity management, defined: The communication strategies people use to influence how others view them. Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Public and Private Selves Perceived self, defined: The person you believe yourself to be in moments of honest self-reflection Unlikely to reveal this self to another person. Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Public and Private Selves Presenting self, defined: An image (socially approved) we want to present to others “Facework” (Sociologist Erving Goffman) The nonverbal ways we act to maintain our own presenting images and the image of others How does Goffman’s concept of “face” relate to the presenting self? Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Characteristics of Identity Management We strive to construct multiple identities What are some different contexts or situations in which you may construct different identities? Explain whether or not a person can present different identities simultaneously. Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Characteristics of Identity Management Identity management is collaborative “Process theater” in which we improvise scenes where our character reacts with others. What happens when someone rejects or does not collaborate with our identity management attempts? Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Characteristics of Identity Management Identity management can be deliberate or unconscious What situations would require deliberate identity management? We unconsciously act in small public performances, making a particular facial expression or using a particular tone of voice. Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Characteristics of Identity Management People differ in their degrees of identity management What are advantages to being a high self-monitor? Drawbacks? Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Section 5 WHY MANAGE IMPRESSIONS? Interplay Section 5 WHY MANAGE IMPRESSIONS? Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Why Manage Impressions? Social rules Personal goals Relational goals It is impossible not to create impressions. Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

How Do We Manage Impressions? Face-to-face impression management Manner Words Nonverbal actions Appearance Personal items people use to shape an image Clothing Hairstyle Personal affects Setting Physical items people use to influence how others view them “Artifacts” decorate the space we live in Automobiles Artwork Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Identity Management in Mediated Environments Computer-mediated communication (CMC) “One of the interesting things about the Internet is the opportunity it offers people to present themselves in a variety of different ways.” In mediated identity management, how do the factors of manner, appearance, and setting change? How do these changes make it easier or more difficult to manage identity? Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Identity Management and Honesty People sometimes misrepresent themselves to gain the trust of others. What are examples of ethical or honest identity management? Not only one honest way to behave in every circumstance. Impression management involves deciding which face—which part of yourself—to reveal. Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

END OF SECTION CHAPTER CONTINUES IN PART TWO Interplay END OF SECTION CHAPTER CONTINUES IN PART TWO Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.