As people grow older they develop a sense

As people grow older, they develop a sense of who they are - their self-concept

THE SOURCES OF SELF-CONCEPT

1. Other’s images of you • If you wished to see your hair looked, you would likely look in a mirror. But what would you do if you wanted to see how friendly or how assertive you are ? • You can use concept of the looking-glass self, you would look at the image of yourself that others reveal to you through the way they treat you and react to you • You’d look especially to those who are most significant in your life-to your significant others: parents, teacher, friends, romantic partners • The reflection that you see in others help you define your self-concept

2. Social comparison : using others to clarify where we stand • You can develop your self-concept is by comparing yourself with others • Social comparison : the need to evaluate one’s own behavior, abilities, expertise, and opinion by comparing them to others

3. Cultural teachings • Your culture instills in you a variety of beliefs, values, and attitudes • When you demonstrate what your culture teaches and getting rewarded by others will contribute positively to your self-concept. • But if you fail demonstrate what your culture teaches and getting punished by others will contribute negatively to your self-concept. • The self-concept of people from independent cultures is quite different with people who come from interdependent cultures.