Journal #2
Kaitlyn Gregory
Chapter 3 opens with some discussion on self-concept, touching on ways that our perceptions
of ourselves are shaped by the reflected appraisals of those around us. Please explain how the
process works, reflecting on your own life experience and how input from others (including
your perception of their perceptions of you) have contributed to your view of yourself
This process is one that is very different for every person. I believe that you are not born with a
concept of yourself, but you gain one throughout your lifetime. My perception of myself has
changed throughout my life. I believe that every time had a big change in my life that involved
being around new people, like moving or going to college, my perception of myself was
different each time. I believe this is because of reflected appraisal. I also think that social
comparison has a huge impact as well. When I was younger, I went to the same school from
kindergarten to graduation. Growing up around the same people each year made it hard for my
concept of myself to change. When I was in middle school, I thought I was going to be the same
throughout my life. My friends at that time were not that nice or supportive. I had a lot of self-
esteem issues before entering high school. I had these issues due to my friends at the time. My
friends would comment on my weight, how I dressed, how my makeup looked, and even how
much I participated in sports/ clubs. Due to them commenting on every part of my life
negatively, it made me insecure and upset all the time. My self-concept at that time was that I
was a total loser, and I did not have any real friends which made me think I was weird. When it
was time to go to high school, I was afraid because of how these “friends” built my self-
Kaitlyn Gregory
Chapter 3 opens with some discussion on self-concept, touching on ways that our perceptions
of ourselves are shaped by the reflected appraisals of those around us. Please explain how the
process works, reflecting on your own life experience and how input from others (including
your perception of their perceptions of you) have contributed to your view of yourself
This process is one that is very different for every person. I believe that you are not born with a
concept of yourself, but you gain one throughout your lifetime. My perception of myself has
changed throughout my life. I believe that every time had a big change in my life that involved
being around new people, like moving or going to college, my perception of myself was
different each time. I believe this is because of reflected appraisal. I also think that social
comparison has a huge impact as well. When I was younger, I went to the same school from
kindergarten to graduation. Growing up around the same people each year made it hard for my
concept of myself to change. When I was in middle school, I thought I was going to be the same
throughout my life. My friends at that time were not that nice or supportive. I had a lot of self-
esteem issues before entering high school. I had these issues due to my friends at the time. My
friends would comment on my weight, how I dressed, how my makeup looked, and even how
much I participated in sports/ clubs. Due to them commenting on every part of my life
negatively, it made me insecure and upset all the time. My self-concept at that time was that I
was a total loser, and I did not have any real friends which made me think I was weird. When it
was time to go to high school, I was afraid because of how these “friends” built my self-
