Self-consciousness
What makes self-consciousness interesting is because it is unique to humans. In fact, no other species are thought to possess the cognitive ability to be aware of oneself. Self-consciousness, as tested by most researchers, is an indeed a complicated matter which reasons out for various definitions to arise.
Generally, self-consciousness is associated by awareness of self in terms of private thoughts, behavior, and actions. On the evolutionary context, self-consciousness is the awareness of self, self-system, and self as a social object (Wojslawowicz, 2005). Moreover, self-consciousness differs as a trait and on emotions. Self-consciousness, as a trait, is considered an enduring characteristic with important individual differences
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According to Rozema (1999), when the focus of attention is on the inner attributes (thoughts, feelings, and self-evaluations) it is called private self-consciousness; while public self-consciousness concentrates on the outward behaviors and appearances that can be seen by others. The focus is
fundamentally an egocentric perspective concerning the judgement and evaluation, person-to-person.
Both components of self-consciousness concentrates on self. However, the concept is differed. Private self-consciousness reflects in the dispositional tendency to direct attentional resources inwardly; that is, the tendency to be aware of one's inner thoughts and feelings while public self-consciousness direct one's attentional resources outwardly; that is, the tendency to be aware of oneself as a social object and to evaluate the self in terms of group or public standards (Rozema,
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However, people who score high on private self-consciousness consistently score high on measures of psychological distress and psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, and alcohol dependence (Ingram, 1990).
Publicly self-conscious individuals are conscious on the way they look or how they present themselves on others. They are the ones who are deeply concern about the impression they make on others, making them more vulnerable to conformity and loss of autonomy. In addition to, persons who attend to themselves as social objects, carefully noting others' reactions, are said to be publicly self-conscious (Bernardo, et, Al.,
This phenomenon of self-awareness can be explained with the social psychological concept of the looking glass self by Charles Horton Cooly, an esteemed sociologist. Our self-image comes from our own self-reflection and from what others think of us. For example, Charlotte notes that she was biased in her previous perspective. She did not make this realization until she began her “social” studies. Both Charlotte and Kevin Davis underwent a specific self-realization- they became self-aware of how their original identity did not fit within this new academic discourse community because of their self-reflection, the looking glass-self. Therefore, in order to separate from their former group, one must be aware that they need to separate in the first
What does sense of self-mean? It means what that person sees when they look in a mirror. Whether it is a decent, awful or an indifferent image. Everyone’s self-image is different, and that’s acceptable; normal even. No one person is exactly the same. The authors explain how a sense of self is like internal conflicts and the decision to lie in order to gain approval.
Double Consciousness is the sense of having to look at oneself through the eyes of others, making it difficult to develop a sense of self. W. E. B. Dubois used the term mostly to recognize the black community in the early 1900’s, but now it affects many Americans, no matter what their ethnicity is. Therefore, double consciousness is still a significant factor in today’s society.
They reasons the one contains the self consciousness is because of reasoning with himself and the world and ...
The wealth of knowledge written on the topic of self in social psychology presents important and useful constructs that help us to understand ourselves in relation to interactions with others. For example, there are topics written on escaping the self, self-esteem and failure, self as a stressor, and the loss of self in relation to spiritual bliss or ecstasy (Baumeister, 1991). Other “self” topics in social psychology include understanding the self in terms of cognitive, affective, and behavioral constructs (Fiske, 2004). Further, Fiske (2004) identifies several conceptual definitions of self, such as inner self and social self, and defines the core social motives of self as understanding, enhancing, and belonging. However, many researchers have investigated more specific understandings of the self in relat...
In conclusion, double consciousness has many different effects on different types of people. Sometimes double consciousness can be used for ones advantage for the better or even the worst. One must still be true to who they are so they will not be blinded by what society thinks he should
"To be self aware is to be conscious of one's character, including beliefs, values, qualities, strengths and limitation. It is about knowing oneself" (Burnard 1992).
Objective self-awareness theory has undergone fundamental changes in the 3 decades since Duval and Wicklund 's (1972) original formulation. We review new evidence that bears on the basic tenets of the theory. Many of the assumptions of self-awareness theory require revision, particularly how expectancies influence approach and avoidance of self-standard discrepancies; the nature of standards, especially when they are changed; and the role of causal attribution in directing discrepancy reduction. However, several unresolved conceptual issues remain; future theoretical and empirical directions are discussed.
How we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. Throughout the interview I knew that the way I interacted within the group would determine whether or not I would be able to study as a student nurse. Subsequently, I wanted to appear socially desirable. Therefore, I believe there was a distortion of self-image because the interview was very important to me. Using Goffman 's theory of self (1959), the 'social mask ' I put on during the interview, could be seen as 'performance ', '...the term ‘performance’ refers to all activity of an individual in front of a particular set of observers, or audience... ' , I wasn 't my: bubbly, hyper self, I felt I had to keep this hidden as I was in a professional environment. Therefore, Johari 's window demonstrates mundane realism, because my self-image did change. My bubbly, hyper personality which is usually 'open/public ' was now 'Hidden/private '. However, Johari 's window see 's self-awareness constructed by the individual alone, which makes the theory over –simplified and not interactionist as it only considers 'nurture ' factors impacting on an individual’s self-awareness, when in reality it’s a combination of biological/genetic and social factors (nature nurture). Therefore the theory is reductionist as it over simplifies human behaviour. Although Johari 's window doesn 't give a holistic reflection for my own self-awareness and communication, the fact I can identify this as a result of using Gibb’s model means that I have a rounded analysis of my interviewing
“Consciousness is defined as everything of which we are aware at any given time - our thoughts, feelings, sensations, and perceptions of the external environment. Physiological researchers have returned to the study of consciousness, in examining physiological rhythms, sleep, and altered states of consciousness (changes in awareness produced by sleep, meditation, hypnosis, and drugs)” (Wood, 2011, 169). There are five levels of consciousness; Conscious (sensing, perceiving, and choosing), Preconscious (memories that we can access), Unconscious ( memories that we can not access), Non-conscious ( bodily functions without sensation), and Subconscious ( “inner child,” self image formed in early childhood).
In order to understand how one perceives situations and how they can determine the way one communicates; we first must understand the value of self-concept. Self is easily defined; it is one's beliefs, attitudes, feelings and values. It is who one is and what one stands for. Self-concept, is a relevantly stable set of perceptions and emotional states. It is the way one sees and understands oneself, and contributes to how one perceives oneself and perceives situations. One's self-concept may alter their perception, and either enhance or impede one's communication effectiveness. The way one sees oneself can influence the way they see their social surroundings. Only after one become aware of oneself can they be aware of their physical and social surroundings, which will allow one to perceive situations and people with a truer idea and create a more positive outcome.
will act to maintain his or her self-image regardless of whether it is high or low.” (Greene & Frandsen, 1979, p. 124) Self-esteem is important in social situations; it can help a person have
With private consciousness conformity is not meant to follow one home. “Social stimuli and social others are not thought to induce or activate private self-conscious thoughts. Rather, turning away from the social stimuli, and focusing inward, vis-a-vis diary writing, introspection, mediation or daydreaming, is posited to characterize the experience of private self-consciousness” (Wojslawowicz 8). Wojslawowicz is stating that private self-consciousness usually takes place alone and reflects on the self in several ways. Private self-consciousness is needed so one can express themselves in every way possible.
Self-awareness is not about reading a book or attending a course. Self-awareness is a journey, and it takes practice. It’s like a muscle that becomes more effective with time and effort. It gives us mental strength as opposed to physical strength. We are constantly changing and adapting to the multiple external forces around us and to our individual experiences. The more we learn to be aware of, and understand, our reactions, thoughts, and emotions, while also keeping in mind our values, the more we can become the best we can be and the more successful we can become.
“Self-awareness is a psychological state in which people are aware of their traits, feelings and behaviour. Alternatively, it can be defined as the realisation of oneself as an individual entity.” (Crisp & Turner, 2010). In other words, self awareness is recognising one’s personality which includes strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs and emotions.