GEC 2 – Understanding the Self

Module 3 (Part 2)
The Psychological Self: My Favorite Mystery

Name: ______________________________ Rating: ___________

Course: __________________ Date: _____________

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. Discuss the different representations and conceptualizations of self from a

psychological perspective;
2. Examine the different influences, factors, and forces that shape the
psychological self;
3. Compare and contrast how the self has been represented across the
psychological perspective; and
4. Demonstrate critical and reflective thought in analyzing the development of
one’s self and identity by developing a theory of the self.

ENGAGE

Activity 1.

How well do you know your self? Fill-out the Johari Window.

Not known to
Known to self
others

Known to others Known to others

Not known to Not known to

others others

Known to self Not known to self

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EXPLORE

We may only have one physical body but at times, it may feel like having several
shelves all at once. 'In our own little corner, this might not be bothersome. But, to be asked
in public, "Who are you?" could be stressful. This question seems to force us to come up
with an interesting answer that we might begin to feel unsatisfied with right after saying
it.
If a picture, still and stagnant, paints a thousand words, what more a moving,
living, complex, dynamic, breathing human being? We may be able to figure out who
we are in certain aspects but no answer might be enough to really articulate who we
really are.
Questioning who we are or engaging in self-reflection to figure out and
understand why we. behave in a certain way is, normal (Weiten et al., 2014, p.115) and
is actually beneficial in increasing self-awareness.
Most of the time, we are too hard on ourselves because of the many-expectations
we have. We always want to be stable, in control, and pleasing to others. "Possible selves
are developed from past experiences, current behavior, and future expectations"
(Weiten et al., 2014, p.116).

"You are very powerful, provided you know how powerful you are."
-Yogi Bhajan

Who we are, though not easily changed, might be likened to liquid, able to take
many forms, depending on the factors and context affecting it.
To help us understand ourselves a bit clearer and somehow ease the pressure of
coming up with a definite answer to who we are, let us look into some of the theories and
concepts in psychology regarding the self.

Lesson 2.4 – Real and Ideal Selves

Our notion of both selves are r`esults of our self-schemas. Our ideal self is essential
in guiding and motivating us to behave in a way that would lead us to the best version
of who we want to be.

"Possible selves are one's conceptions about the kind of persons one might
become in the near future" (Weitenetal.,2014,p.116). The ideal self can be a helpful
motivation in guiding the real self to strive and continue improving.

In achieving the ideal self or any goal, numerous Studies emphasize the
importance of visual imagining exercises. It is best that we know as accurate as possible

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GEC 2 – Understanding the Self

who we want to be become or achieve. Being as specific as possible is beneficial in

visual. imagining so we may vividly see our ideal self taking shape.

"Sometimes, however, possible seives are negative and represent what you fear
you might become" (Lee & Oyserman, 2009 as cited in Weiten et al., 2014, p.116).

Though negative, this can still help us in figuring out the ideal self we want to
become. However, it is best to keep .in mind to focus on the positive and the person or
goal to be achieved and not the person or goal to be avoided..

At this point, hopefully, you already have an idea of your, ideal and real self.
Looking into your ideal and real self, how aligned are they? According to Rogers, the
congruence or incongruehce between the ideal and real self has effects on our self-
esteem.

Ideal Self Real Self

person we Who we
want to be actually are

idealized
How I see
version of
me
ourself

how I should also called

be "actual self"

Figure 1. Ideal and Real Self (Weiten, et al., 2014)

Lesson 2.5 - Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy

Self-esteem refers to one's overall assessment of one's worth as a person (Weiten
et al., 2014, p. 118), one's self-worth. People with high self-esteem succeed more, have
better relationships, and are happier compared to those with low self-esteem (Oswalt,
2010). Our self-esteem refers to how we value ourselves and perceive our worth as a
person (Weitenet al., 2014).

Specific elements of the self-concept may contribute to self-esteem. This presents

evidences that who we are is never defined by one success or one failure. It is helpful to
look into our self-esteem coming from several boxes. This helps us categorize our victories

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GEC 2 – Understanding the Self

and loses. Hopefully a success from one box will not make us overconfident because we
still need to also work for the other boxes. A failure in one box, will not mean a failure for
all the boxes.

Figure 2. Structure of self-esteem (Weiten, et al., 2014)

Self-efficacy is how one performs (Coten, 2009). Self efficacy is directly

correlated with self-esteem when our self-efficacy or our performance improves, our
self-esteem improves which, will lead to congruence.

However, an increase in self-esteem does not always lead to increase to self-

efficacy most especially if no effort was exerted to improve performance. This is why we
have to continuously remind ourselyes to be motivated and put that motivation into
action.

For self-esteem and self-efficacy to increase, we have to learn to giv

unconditional positive regard to each other. Hopefully, we have experienced being
provided with unconditional positive regard so we may also be able to give the same
to others.

In case you feel that others have not or do not show you unconditional positive
regard, try to give the benefit of the doubt. They might be expressing it in other means
or languages that might not have been that direct or explicit. We just have to be

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sensitive and appreciative of the other means or languages used to express

appreciation.

Lesson 2.6 - Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the ability to see yourself clearly and objectively through
reflection and introspection.

While it may not be possible to attain total objectivity about oneself (that’s a
debate that has continued to rage throughout the history of philosophy), there are
certainly degrees of self-awareness. It exists on a spectrum.

Although everyone has a fundamental idea of what self-awareness is, we don’t

know exactly where it comes from, what its precursors are, or why some of us seem to
have more or less than others.

4 Proven Benefits of Self-Awareness

Now, let’s shift our attention to research on the outcomes of being self-aware. As
you might imagine, there are many benefits to practicing self-awareness:

• It can make us more proactive, boost our acceptance, and encourage positive
self-development (Sutton, 2016).
• Self-awareness allows us to see things from the perspective of others, practice self-
control, work creatively and productively, and experience pride in ourselves and
our work as well as general self-esteem (Silvia & O’Brien, 2004).
• It leads to better decision making (Ridley, Schutz, Glanz, & Weinstein, 1992).
• It can make us better at our jobs, better communicators in the workplace, and
enhance our self-confidence and job-related wellbeing (Sutton, Williams, &
Allinson, 2015).

These benefits are reason enough to work on improving self-awareness, but this list
is by no means exhaustive. Self-awareness has the potential to enhance virtually every
experience you have, as it’s a tool and a practice that can be used anywhere, anytime,
to ground yourself in the moment, realistically evaluate yourself and the situation, and
help you make good choices.

5 Ways to Increase Your Self-Awareness

Now we have some clear-cut examples of self-awareness in mind. We know what

it looks like to embrace self-awareness and grow. But how do you do it? What did our
leading characters do to practice self-awareness?

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There are many ways to build and practice self-awareness, but here are some of
the most effective:

1. Practice mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness refers to being present in the moment and paying attention to yourself
and your surroundings rather than getting lost in thought or ruminating or daydreaming.

Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention on one thing, such as your
breath, a mantra, or a feeling, and letting your thoughts drift by instead of holding on to
them.

2. Practice yoga

Yoga is a physical practice, but it’s just as much a mental practice. While your
body is stretching and bending and flexing, your mind is learning discipline, self-
acceptance, and awareness. You become more aware of your body and all the feelings
that manifest, and you become more aware of your mind and the thoughts that crop
up.

3. Make time to reflect

Reflecting can be done in multiple ways (including journaling; see the next tip)
and is customizable to the person reflecting, but the important thing is to go over your
thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to see where you met your standards, where you failed
them, and where you could improve.

4. Journal

The benefit of journaling is that it allows you to identify, clarify, and accept your
thoughts and feelings. It helps you discover what you want, what you value, and what
works for you. It can also help you find out what you don’t want, what is not important to
you, and what doesn’t work for you.

5. Ask the people you love

It’s vital to feel we know ourselves from the inside, but external feedback helps
too. Ask your family and close friends about what they think about you. Have them
describe you and see what rings true with you and what surprises you.

Carefully consider what they say and think about it when you journal or otherwise
reflect. Of course, don’t take any one person’s word as gospel; you need to talk to a
variety of people to get a comprehensive view of yourself.

And remember that at the end of the day, it’s your self-beliefs and feelings that
matter the most to you!

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EXPLAIN

Name: ______________________________ Rating: ___________

Course: __________________ Date: _____________

Answer the following.

1. How aligned is your ideal self from your real self? What are
your realizations based on your answers?

2. Have you been investing in yourself lately? Why or why not? In

what specific and intentional ways do you plan to invest in yourself?

3. What are your realizations from what are listed on each

window? (Activity 1)

4. Why do you think the sizes of the windows differ? What

does it imply? (Activity 1)

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EXTEND

Write an essay about the topic/statements listed below. Make sure that your essay
consists of 250 to 500 words. Please see the rubric.

• How do you cope with your ideal self and real self's incongruence? How do you
think can you increase the congruence between your ideal and real self in the
way you live your life everyday?

Very Good Good Fair Needs Improvement

(4 points) (3 points) (2 points) (1 point)
This paper is clear
and focused. It holds This paper is The writer is beginning
the reader's mostly focused, to define the topic, Topic is not well
Ideas attention. Relevant and has some even though defined and/or there
details and quotes good details and development is still are too many topics.
enrich the central quotes. basic or general.
theme.
The organization
enhances and
showcases the Paper (and The organizational
central idea or paragraphs) are structure is strong Sentences within
theme. The order, mostly organized, enough to move the paragraphs make
Organization
structure of in order, and reader through the text sense, but the order of
information is makes sense to without too much paragraphs does not.
compelling and the reader. confusion.
moves the reader
through the text.
The writing has an
easy flow, rhythm, The text hums along
and cadence. The writing mostly with a steady beat, but
The text seems choppy
Sentences are well flows, and usually tends to be more
Sentence Fluency and is not easy to read
built, with strong and invites oral businesslike than
orally.
varied structure that reading. musical, more
invites expressive oral mechanical than fluid.
reading.
The writer The write The writer shows
demonstrates a understands good reasonable control
good grasp of writing over a limited range of The writer seems to
standard writing conventions and standard writing have made little effort
conventions (e.g., usually uses them conventions. to use conventions:
spelling, punctuation, correctly. Paper is Conventions are spelling, punctuation,
Conventions
capitalization, easily read and sometimes handled capitalization, usage,
grammar, usage, errors are rare; well and enhanced grammar, and/or
paragraphing) and minor touch-ups readability; at other paragraphing have
uses conventions would get this times, errors are multiple errors.
effectively to piece ready to distracting and impair
enhance readability. publish. readability.
The form and
presentation of the The format only
text enhances the has a few The writer's message is
The writer's message is
ability for the reader mistakes and is only understandable
Presentation understandable in this
to understand and generally easy to occasionally, and
format.
connect with the read and pleasing paper is messily written.
message. It is to the eye.
pleasing to the eye.

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EVALUATE

Link in!

Answer the formative test that will be sent by the teacher.

References

Ackerman, C. E. (2019). What Is Self-Awareness and Why Is It Important? [+5 Ways to

Increase It]. Retrieved from: https://positivepsychology.com/self-awareness-
matters-how-you-can-be-more-self-aware/

Alata, E. J. P., Caslib, B. N. Jr., Serafica, J. P. J., Pawilen, R. A. (2018). Understanding the
Self. First Edition. Rex Book Store.

Ariola, M. M. (2018). Understanding the Self. New General Education Curriculum

Compliant. Unlimited Books Library Services & Publishing Inc.

Brawner, D. G. & Arcega, A. F. (2018). UNDERSTANDING the SELF. C & E Publishing, Inc.

Cherry, K. (2021). Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development. Retrieved from

https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-
development-2795740

Gutierrez-Ang, J. (2018). Understanding the Self. A Text Manual for the 21 st Century Filipino
Student. Mindshapers Co., Inc.

Palean, E. D., Nazario, M. B. D., Valero, J. B. G., & Descartin, I. K.L. (2018). INTROSPECTION:
UNDERSTANDING THE SELF. Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.

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