Module 1- Communication and Self Concept

Table of Contents

1. Think About It!
2. In this Module
3. Becoming an Effective Communicator
   1. Why We Communicate
   2. The Communication Process
   3. Communication Principles and Misconceptions
   4. Communication Competence
   5. Self-Awareness: Who Are You?
   6. The Development of Self-Concept
   7. Characteristics of Self-Concept
   8. Self-Esteem Development
   9. Self-fulfilling Prophecy
   10. Changing Your Self-Concept and Attitude
4. Resources used in preparing this Module

The Development of Self-Concept

The development of self-concept is a lifelong process that commences during the first year of life when infants begin to recognize themselves as distinct from their surroundings. This recognition that a hand or foot is me will be the first realization of self. Although the early stages of self are physical, the self-concept is for the most part shaped by interactions with other people through reflected appraisal and social comparison.

Reflected appraisal is the process of developing your self-concept in a way that matches your belief about how others see you. You learn who you are based on how others behave toward you. This life long process is influenced by many factors that impact on you during your life. It is the messages received from significant others, those whose opinions you value, that impact the most.

Social comparison is the process of evaluating yourself in terms of how you compare with others. You may decide that you are inferior to, superior to, the same as, or different from others. These decisions are made by comparing yourself to reference groups.