0 Defining Self
0 Defining Self
,
2006). They are able to evaluate themselves and their current
state of affairs and to picture themselves in imaginary
situations. They can envision different answers to the
question of who they are, can be, or can become.
4 main lines of research sources of disparities in the
process of self-definition
A first source lies in the social awareness of the
individual. People generally take part in different
social contexts requiring different social roles, each
role implying a different definition of themselves
(e.g., as a mother, as a wife, in pursuit of a career).
A second source focusses on the ability to take a
social perspective, perceiving oneself through the
imaginary eyes of the other. This makes people
aware of their public appearance, which can lead to
strategic forms of impression management and self-
presentation (Oyserman, 2004).
A third source of disparate self-definitions refers to
the perceived distance between one’s aspirations
and reality. This was already mentioned by James
(1890/1950). He stated that the degree to which one
is able to realize one’s personal goals in life is an
important predictor of subjective well-being.
Individual self perception
past vs future
Future self-perspectives have a motivational
character which is clearly expressed in the concepts
of “possible selves” (Frazier & Hooker, 2006. Markus & Nurius,
1986) and “possible identities” (Oyserman & James, 2011).
The identity-deficit type of self-definition problems
is most explicitly expressed in Erikson’s notion of a
sense of identity confusion in adolescence, as
opposed to a sense of identity achievement (Erikson,
1959/1980, 1968).
“There is but one cause of human failure. And that is man’s
lack of faith in his true Self.”
William James
Among the Ancient Greeks, to “know thyself” (inscribed on the
temple of Apollo) was considered a central imperative (Norton,
1976; Pojman, 2006). Aristotle’s (350 BCE/1998 CE) conception of
eudaimonia refers to a life that is lived in truth with one’s
“daimon” (essentially one’s spirit).
William James