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Communication Works by Gamble and Gamble
Communication Works, 7/e
Teri Kwal Gamble
Michael Gamble
Communication and the Self-Concept: Who Are You?

Learning Objectives


1.

Define and explain the formation of the self-concept. Self-concept is the entire collection of attitudes and beliefs you hold about who and what you are. It is the mental picture you have of yourself. It can be positive or negative, accurate or inaccurate. Your self-concept influences all aspects of your communicative behavior- with whom, where, why, and how you choose to communicate.

2.

Identify how popular culture and technology help shape your self-
concept. You are not born with a self-concept. Rather, your self-concept is shaped by your environment, by its technology, and by those around you, including your parents, relatives, instructors, supervisors, friends, and co-workers. In addition, television and films, self-expectations and other people's expectations, gender and culture can shape your opinion of who you are.

3.

Define self-fulfilling prophecy and explain how a self-fulfilling prophecy can influence behavior. Your self-concept can also be affected by what is known as the self-fulfilling prophecy. A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when prior expectations of an event help create the very conditions that permit the event to occur. The media, as well as other people, help determine which self-fulfilling prophecies you experience.

4.

Compare and contrast the ways males and females as well as people from different cultures see themselves. Conditions and circumstances affect the nature of the self. Sometimes it seems that we become different selves as we move from situation to situation; our demeanor is affected by our perceptions of others and how we imagine they perceive us. Our culture and our gender also affect the way we see ourselves.

5.

Identify the purposes and functions of the Johari window as a model of self-disclosure. You can change and improve your self-concept by developing greater self-awareness and self-understanding. The Johari window can help you identify the open, blind, hidden, and unknown areas of your self.








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