PS51005B: Psychology of the Person – Week 15 Lecture Notes: The Self (Goldsmiths BSc Psychology)

These notes summarise Week 15 of PS51005B: Psychology of the Person, exploring the complexity of self-concept, self-knowledge, and self-regulation. This lecture introduces major theories of the self and how identity is shaped by traits, roles, culture, and cognitive processes. Topics covered: • Multiple selves and self-complexity • Private and public self-awareness • Self-knowledge vs self-esteem • Self-discrepancy theory (Higgins) – actual vs ideal vs ought self • Regulatory focus theory – promotion vs prevention focus • Self-perception theory (Bem) and the overjustification effect • Social comparison theory (Festinger) and its effects on identity • Developmental and cultural influences on the self • Multiple choice questions included Ideal for: • Psychology undergrads studying self and identity • Exam prep or essays on personality and social cognition • Revision of key self-related theories and terminology