Journal

Journal

Self-concept is the mental image we have about our skills, abilities, knowledge, competencies and personality. But, where does that mental image come from? How do you know about your skills and abilities? Do you know what your personality is, or do other people tell you? These questions lead us to the text's definition of self: "a multidimensional process of internalizing and acting from social perspectives" (Wood, 2013, p. 40). In other words, our sense of self is developed through interpersonal communication.

Part 1. After reading chapter 2, write down a list of words that describe you and your skills, abilities, interests, personality traits and roles. Examples might be responsible, ambitious, good-looking, funny, out-going… Now describe who you are, or your self-concept. Be sure to include specific examples that clarify for me why you chose those words, when you can.

Part 2. Now comment on what influences your self-concept. Identify the particular people who have been and are now significant in your life. How have these people influenced the words you chose to describe you? How have they communicated to you about the traits you listed? How did they express their appraisals of what you defined as important parts of you? Can you trace how you see yourself to these individuals? What role did they play in your ideas of what makes you "you"? What scripts did they provide you about who you are, or who your culture or family is? Do you follow some of those scripts today? Why or why not? What other life experiences have shaped who you are today? Please use terminology from the text/citations as it influences self perception along with relevant examples (e.g. particular others, direct definition, reflected appraisal, social comparison, identity scripts, and attachment styles). (Please note in a two-page paper you are not required to answer every single question laid out in the paragraphs above, but you are required to address both parts. The questions are meant to be prompter questions; write about the topics or questions that work for you.)

Grading Rubric An "A" paper will meet the following requirements: Paper shows a deep, thoughtful look at the writer's life and the people in it who help define self-concept. Paper is written at college-level (e.g., avoiding use of third person where appropriate, free of errors and clearly proofread with care, sentences are clear and concise, style is formal, formatting is appropriate, logical organization, etc). Material is clear and well organized. The paper covered a variety of material inside and outside of the class experience. The paper intertwines concepts and vocabulary words from the course material, lecture, textbook, resources, etc, with your own real life. (That means your paper would have a reference page, because you're citing concepts from a least the book if not other sources.) The paper is no less than 2 pages.