Name: Lanz Nicholi B.

Antenorio Subject: GEC101

Psychological Perspective of the Self

The "self" is a key idea in psychology, studied by many famous psychologists. It refers to
a person's awareness of their identity and existence, either as an individual or as part of a group.
The self develops through personal experiences and interactions with others. These psychologists
are:

William James
William James, often referred to as the "Father of American Psychology," introduced a
dualistic view of the self in his seminal work The Principles of Psychology. He distinguished
between the "I" and the "Me." The "I" represents the self as the knower, the active agent that
experiences and reflects. It is the subjective self, the thinker, and the doer. On the other hand, the
"Me" is the self as known, encompassing the material self (possessions and body), the social self
(how one is perceived by others), and the spiritual self (inner thoughts and feelings). James's work
laid the foundation for understanding self-awareness and identity, emphasizing the dynamic
interplay between these aspects of the self.
Dualistic View of the Self:
o The "I": The subjective, active knower—the thinker and doer.
o The "Me": The objective self, divided into:
 Material self: Possessions and physical body.
 Social self: How one is perceived by others.
 Spiritual self: Inner thoughts, values, and feelings.
o Concept: The self is both the observer and the observed.

David Lester
David Lester explored the concept of multiple selves versus a unified self. He argued that
individuals often present different facets of themselves depending on the context, such as
professional, personal, or social settings. This perspective challenges the notion of a singular,
cohesive identity, suggesting instead that the self is fluid and adaptable. Lester's work highlights
the complexity of human behavior and the ways in which individuals navigate their identities in a
multifaceted world.
Multiple Selves vs. Unified Self:
o People adapt and present different versions of themselves based on context (e.g.,
work, social, personal).
o Challenges the idea of a single, cohesive identity.
Concept: The self is fluid, multifaceted, and responsive to external environments.

Donald Winnicott
Donald Winnicott, a prominent psychoanalyst, introduced the concepts of the "true self"
and the "false self." The true self is the authentic, spontaneous self that emerges when an individual
feels secure and supported. In contrast, the false self is a defensive facade developed to cope with
external pressures and expectations. Winnicott also introduced the idea of the "good enough
mother," emphasizing the importance of a nurturing environment in fostering a child's sense of
self. His work underscores the significance of early relationships in shaping one's identity and
emotional well-being.
True Self and False Self:
o True Self: Authentic and spontaneous self, emerging in a supportive and secure
environment.
o False Self: A defensive facade created to meet external pressures and expectations.
Concept: The self is shaped by early relationships and the degree of authenticity one feels.
Carl Rogers
Carl Rogers, a leading figure in humanistic psychology, developed the self-theory, which
focuses on the congruence between the real self and the ideal self. He believed that self-
actualization, or the realization of one's potential, occurs when there is harmony between these
aspects. Rogers emphasized the importance of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and
genuineness in fostering personal growth. His client-centered therapy revolutionized the
therapeutic process, empowering individuals to explore and embrace their true selves.
Real Self vs. Ideal Self:
o Real self: Who you actually are.
o Ideal self: Who you aspire to be.
o Congruence between the two leads to self-actualization.
Concept: Personal growth and self-acceptance arise from alignment and nurturing
relationships.

Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory introduced the structural model of the psyche,
consisting of the id, ego, and superego. The ego, often considered the "self," mediates between the
instinctual desires of the id and the moral constraints of the superego. Freud also emphasized the
role of the unconscious mind in shaping the self, suggesting that repressed memories and desires
influence behavior and identity. His work laid the groundwork for understanding the complexities
of the human psyche and the interplay between conscious and unconscious processes.
Structural Model of the Psyche:
o Id: Instinctual desires.
o Ego: Mediator of desires and morals (often considered the "self").
o Superego: Moral compass.
Concept: The self is influenced by the interplay of conscious and unconscious processes.

Albert Bandura
Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory introduced the concept of self-efficacy, which
refers to an individual's belief in their ability to influence events and achieve goals. Bandura
emphasized the proactive and agentic nature of the self, highlighting the role of observational
learning and social interactions in shaping behavior. His famous Bobo doll experiment
demonstrated how individuals learn and model behaviors from others, underscoring the
importance of environment and social context in the development of the self.
Agentic Self:
o Self-efficacy: Belief in one’s ability to achieve goals and influence events.
o Emphasizes the proactive role of learning through observation and social
interaction.
Concept: The self is shaped by belief in one’s capabilities and the social environment.

Carl Jung
Carl Jung viewed the self as the central archetype in his theory of individuation, a process
of integrating the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche to achieve personal wholeness.
He introduced the concept of the collective unconscious, a shared reservoir of archetypes and
symbols that influence human behavior and identity. Jung's work emphasized the spiritual and
symbolic dimensions of the self, offering a holistic perspective on personal growth and self-
realization.
Individuation and the Self:
o The self: Central archetype in achieving personal wholeness.
o Collective unconscious: Shared reservoir of symbols and archetypes influencing
identity.
Concept: The self-integrates conscious and unconscious aspects for spiritual and personal
growth.
References:
Psychology-report-notes - MULTIPLE AND UNIFIED SELVES (aleya) David Lester (2012) -
Studocu. (2022). Studocu. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/mindanao-state-
university/understanding-the-self/psychology-report-notes/39147965

Uts. (2023). Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/uts-

Understanding the Self: Psychological Perspectives. (2020). Slideshare.

Self-Efficacy: Bandura’s Theory of Motivation In Psychology. (2023, July 10). Simply

Psychological Perspective of Self. (2021). Studocu. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/far-