Self-Discrepancy Theory

Flexibility of your beliefs, alignments, and interest are the only ways to be truly authentic. No one should be ascribed a definition. The human spirt is simply too intertwined with others and with the world to limit its itself. However, at a specific moment people can take up an identity. The Encyclopedia of Language and Linguist states that “identities are how we represent who we are to ourselves and others and how we interpret who others are” (Joseph 2006). More importantly, a flexible…

be in place prior to the occurrence of the concept” (p.167). In analyzing self confidence, many antecedents quickly become apparent. Prior to the presence of self confidence, a specific role, external stimuli, emotions, and self esteem all must be present (as cited in Perry, 2011). Furthermore, either internal or external support must be present (as cited in White, 2009). For example, internal support could be personal self encouragement while external support could be encouragement from other…

Self expansion is simply put as starting a new relationship in hopes that it will lead to a period or a lifetime of self discovery. This is often found the most beneficial in a committed relationship wherein the two people tend to seek new adventures together. Though Miller would counter in his writing of Intimate Relationships, that self expansion however positive has it own set of drawbacks that are not always apparent at the start of the relationship. He goes so far as to state that “ Once a…

How humans approach factors within their environment is significant to how they view it. When discussing how a child interacts with sociable robots, Turkle states that “His attitude is pragmatic. If something that seems to have a self is before him, he deals with the aspect … most relevant to the context” (Turkle 463). When presented with physical or conceptual factors of the sociable robot, it was natural for the child to act pragmatically. Whatever is sensible or “relevant” to…

Having the ability to know one’s self is important when entering a relationship; the individuals have developed a base-line of self-identity. For the purpose of this assignment, I would believe that I agree with Erickson’s theory, as an individual enters into a relationship they do make changes due to growth with another individual. In my opinion, I feel that an individual, who has developed their sense of self, knows their occupation, lifestyle and what type of person they are looking for have…

As you became more comfortable in your own self your personality started to shine”. Similarly when I asked if I changed over the years, she answered, “Yes. You became more confident. You really like put yourself out there more. Expressed more of your opinions. You were less quiet”. Both of these…

Finding one’s true self poses a challenge to many, but in Veronica Roth’s Divergent, this journey is proven to be more difficult because of the dystopian society in which the protagonist lives. Upon learning that she is Divergent, Beatrice “Tris” Prior must choose one faction to reside in for the rest of her life. Through character, motif, and conflict, Roth creates a systemic society which strictly adheres to conformity, resulting in finding one’s true identity. Tris’ character aims to fit…

The development of a minimal sense of self, across objects, plays an important role in the growth of a human (Cunningham, Turk, Macdonald & Macrae, 2008). It is common for a person to develop a sense of ownership towards objects, which can elicit a greater sense of appeal, known as the ownership effect (Cunningham et al., 2008). In some cases, such as in the mere ownership effect, the value of the object can be overestimated (Feng, Zhao, & Donnay, 2013). Even though, ownership not only causes…

are more destructive than they may seem at first glance; they both gradually rot away at individual’s sense of self, and poison their thoughts and emotions with negativity. However harmful and seemingly uncontrollable these states may be, constant perseverance can render them harmless. In A Separate Peace by John Knowles, Gene overcomes his overpowering insecurities, smallness of self, and jealousy in a deadly struggle against his own twisted human nature. Finny’s confidence and natural…

The Extremes of Self Discovery An individual may struggle all of his or her life to figure out who he or she is as an individual for the duration of his or her life, usually beginning with one’s past. The past always has a way to seemingly define a person’s personality and characteristics. As a result, depending on the type of past that a person has experienced, as an individual matures he or she will try to go against his or her upbringing and family situation while other individuals may…