SF- GE 101-Module2

Concept of Self

Carl Rogers, a psychologist, was the proponent of the Self theory. This theory is
regarded as humanistic and is a move towards recognizing human potential for
psychological growth.

The self is made up of many self-perceptions, abilities, and personality

characteristics that are organized and consistent with one another

Self-concept refers to how people see or describe themselves. It is the subjective

perception of who people are and what they are like, or “the person I think I am or
the person I wish to be”

There are two kinds of selves

 The real self

Is the image or picture of the self based on a person’s actual experiences
and represents how he/she really or actually sees himself/herself.

 Ideal self
Is the self based on one’s hopes and wishes.. It reflects how one likes to see
himself/herself to be.

“ Describe yourself in terms of what you wish or desire to become in the

future (or your ideal self)”

Discrepancy in Self concept

Rogers (1953) states that there is usually a contradiction or discrepancy

between the real self and the ideal self. This difference may result in discomfort and
personality problems which can be resolved by paying more attention to one’s actual
experiences, working more at positive experiences, and paying less attention to the
expectations of others.

An obscure view of the self may also result due to a wide discrepancy between
the real self and ideal self. Failure to achieve the ideal self may lead to a “drop: in
self-concept. Eventually, the individual might even develop a negative self concept.

Positive regard is believed to be important for the healthy development of one’s

self-concept and for successful interpersonal relationships. Ex. Love, sympathy and
acceptance

Conditional positive regard refers to a positive regard received as a result of

acceptable behavior or living up to the expectations and standards of others.
 Unconditional positive regard refers to love and acceptance received by a
person regardless of who he/she is or what he/she does.

Self- esteem

Personality and social development refer to how a person’s sense of self-identity,

relationships with others, and skills necessary for social interactions evolve.
Personal or safe-identity explains how people describe themselves in terms of
values, goals, traits, and perceptions unique to them.
It is closely related to self-esteem or how much people value themselves and
their worth as a person.
Self-esteem is the level of importance attributed to oneself and one’s abilities.
Example: a high self-esteem is correlated with healthy and social relationships,
being emotionally and socially adjusted, cheerfulness, and overall happiness. On the
other hand, a low self-esteem is associated with negative outcomes like depression,
anxiety, antisocial behavior, and poor personal adjustment

Self-actualization

Human possess an inner drive to grow, improve, and use their potential to the
fullest (Plotnik, 2014). The final stage is known as self-actualization or self-fulfillment,
a major tenet in humanistic psychology.
According to Abraham Maslow (1943), a self- actualizing person has reached the
highest level or peak of his/her personal development and has fully realized his/her
potential as a human being.

Characteristics of Self-actualized Persons

A. They have reached a high level of moral development and are more concerned
with the welfare of loved ones, friends, and humanity in general then themselves.
B. They are open, honest, and have the courage to act on their convictions, even if it
makes them unpopular.
C. They have an accurate, concrete, and realistic-rather than a romanticized-view of
people in life, and yet they are positive about life.
D. Life is always challenging and fresh to self-actualizing individuals.

Reference:

Brawner, D. and Arcega, A. (2018). Understanding the Self. Quezon City: C & E
Publishing, Inc