SELF AS A COGNITIVE CONSTRUCT

The individual and cognitive functions are heavily emphasized in the psychological perspective of the
self. It is centered on the individual functioning with the influence of their environment and gaining self-
knowledge. It also focuses on how people initiate self-regulation to achieve their goals, the impact of personal
standards, expectations, and values on the perception of others, and how people maintain their desired self-
images. Although psychology concentrates on aspects connected to the unique environment, it does not dismiss
external influences that influence psychological well-being, such as those described from a philosophical,
sociological, and anthropological standpoint.

The psychological self can be defined as the process through which an individual understands
themselves, behaves, and thinks depending on underlying intrapersonal and interpersonal elements. To fully
comprehend ourselves, we must analyze the psychological variables contributing to our ability to function
normally. Thus, psychology not only assists us in being more conscious of ourselves, but it also assists us in
improving our overall well-being.

THE SELF IN PSYCHOLOGY

I. WILLIAM JAMES SELF THEORY

According to William James (1890), an American psychologist,

human beings have the capacity to both be the subject and the object of their thinking at the same time. This
idea comes from James's theory that subjects can also be objects. Since they are thinking beings, they can be
conscious of their existence and the world around them. James distinguished two aspects of the self that he
called "I" and "Me."

A. I and Me

• "I" refers to the self as a subject of experience (self in the role of the subject).

"I" can refer to the thinking, feeling, and acting parts of one's self in a broader meaning. It also
reflects how people become aware of their surroundings and themselves on a more subjective and
advanced level. Compared to the phenomenon of "Me."

• "Me" refers to the self as an object of experience (self as object).

"Me" perspective when people see what makes them human, look at their other abilities and
physical characteristics, and see themselves as objects of their different thinking. Seeing what makes
them human includes looking at their other abilities and physical characteristics. The "me" refers to the
entirety of all the contents of consciousness that are felt to be self-related based on one's sensory
experiences.

B. Components of Self
William James created perhaps the most enduring and broadly acknowledged framework for characterizing an
individual. He identified the material self, the social self, and the spiritual self as components of the self.
 Definition Examples
Material Self All of the physical elements that reflect who you are Possessions, home, body, clothes
Social Self The self is reflected through your interactions with others. Your informal self interacting with your
It is a variety of selves that respond to changes in best friend; your formal self interacting
situations and roles with your professors
Spiritual Self Introspections about values, morals, and beliefs Religious belief or disbelief; regard for
life in all its forms

II. GLOBAL SELF VS DIFFERENTIATED SELF

Global self
- the awareness of good possessed by the self and refers to the overall evaluation of one's worth or value as a
person.
- It is an idealized version of yourself that you have built based on what you have learned from your life
experiences, the expectations of society, and the qualities that you like in the people you look up to as role
models.
- The global model emphasizes the entirety of the self and how we assign value to ourselves. It is also
influenced by our surroundings, as opposed to our thoughts and desires, which define a self.

Differentiated self
- the ability to separate feelings and thoughts.

- Undifferentiated people cannot separate feelings and thoughts; when asked to think, they are flooded with
feelings and have difficulty thinking logically and basing their responses on that. Further, they have difficulty
separating their own from others' feelings; they look to family to define how they think about issues, feel about
people, and interpret their experiences. Differentiation is freeing yourself from your family processes to define
yourself. This means having different opinions and values than your family members but staying emotionally
connected to them. It means being able to calmly reflect on a conflicted interaction afterward, realizing your role
in it, and then choosing a different response for the future.

The term self-differentiation was first introduced by Murray Bowen, whose ideas are the basis of family systems
therapy.

There are two (2) aspects to self-differentiation: intrapsychic differentiation and interpersonal
differentiation.

• Intrapsychic differentiation is when we can tell apart our thoughts from our emotions. In other
words, it's self-awareness.
• Interpersonal differentiation is when we can distinguish our experience from the experience of
people we are connected to. Both aspects of self-differentiation are essential, as they empower us to
be aware of our current state and the influence of different interactions and environments in our state
so we can take action.
 III. REAL SELF VS. IDEAL SELF
In psychology, the real self and the ideal self are terms used to describe personality domains.

• The real self is who we are. It is how we think, feels, look, and act. Others can see the real self, but
because we cannot honestly know how others view us, the real self is our self-image.

• The ideal self is how we want to be. It is an idealized image we have developed over time based on
what we have learned and experienced. The ideal self could include what our parents have taught us,
what we admire in others, what our society promotes, and what we think is in our best interest.

Carl Rogers
• Humanistic psychologist
• believed that we all own a real self and an ideal self. The real self is what we are intrinsical. The self
feels most accurate to what and who we are, the honest self that leaves us most comfortable in our
skin. It may not be perfect, but it's the part of us that feels most real. And it's the one we need to learn to
love the most.

• The ideal self is the self we think we want to be, strive to be, and feel we are expected to be.
• This self is borne out of influences outside of us. It is the self that holds values absorbed from others;
a culmination of all those things that we think we should be and that we feel others think we should be.
We want to accommodate those expectations because we believe we will be more loved and accepted
if we do. Holding the values of others is not a conscious decision but a process of osmosis. For the
most part, we are not even aware of it.

IV. MULTIPLE SELVES VS. UNIFIED SELF

The multiple selves are a spectrum; it is not limited to a single set of qualities; as a result, it varies. It says
everyone's life experiences, desires, and feelings are unique. According to David Lester (2012), the mind
comprises several distinct "subselves," each of which is an independent collection of psychological processes.
Division of Multiple Selves
• Major selves – a personality with thoughts, desires, intentions, emotions, ambitions, and beliefs
• Minor selves – merely enough to deal with a particular condition such as a necessity to argue with
certain people, or smoking in certain circumstances
• Micro self – the building blocks of personality; it is the individual responses, thoughts, ideas, and habits,
such as a minor physical or vocal contraction or a renewed interfering thought or emotion

Unified self proposes that every person possesses a network of personalities that collaborate to form their
overall identity. Combining several aspects of one's personality into a single entity constitutes the unified self.
Integration, on the other hand, is something that should be done in one's later years.

V. TRUE VS. FALSE SELF

Donald Winnicott
• In the 1960s, a British psychoanalyst
• He came up with an idea about the true and false selves. His ideas come from his research and the
things he has seen about how mothers treat their children.
 • true self is a sense of self that comes from real experiences and the feeling of being truly present,
alive, and able to speak the truth. The parts of a self that were not shaped by their upbringing may still
be affected by their environment.
• false self is a defense mechanism that makes a person feel empty, repressed, and perfect while
trying to be perfect and always fitting in with norms and expectations. It is also where learned and
controlled behaviors occur instead of spontaneous and real ones
• .The false self has a lot in common with the adapted self and the self that wears a social mask to help
build relationships with others.
• The false self stifles spontaneous desires and prefers to be obedient over being able to feel what one
thinks and feels. But sometimes, people don't easily show and tell others about their different parts.
People may not tell funny jokes at professional or significant events, for example, to show that they
are educated and well-spoken. When a false self takes over, happiness comes from returning to your
true self. Self- acceptance, self-worth, and self-awareness are all ways to return to our true selves.
Psychotherapy can also help us tell the self between our true selves and our false self and give us the
confidence to be our true selves again.

VI. THE SELF AS PROACTIVE AND AGENTIC

Albert Bandura
• is widely recognized for his contribution to social learning theory.
• The academic work of Bandura has been integral to the development of several influential
schools of thought within the field of psychology, such as social cognitive theory, reciprocal
determinism, and social learning theory.
• His view on personality, known as the Social Cognitive Theory, says that a person is both
proactive and agentic, which means that people can take charge of their own lives and make
decisions about how they want to live.
Core properties of Human Agency
• Intentionality - It considers how an individual formulates intentions, including action plans and
strategies for carrying them out.
• Forethought - Forethought encompasses more than just future-oriented planning because it involves
how individuals place their plans in the future. People make goals for themselves and anticipate the
expected effects of future activities to guide and inspire their efforts while anticipating potential
opportunities or impediments. This perspective can bring coherence, purpose, and meaning to one's
life if perceived plans are projected over a beneficial long-term path.
• Self-reactiveness - People are bound in self-reactivity not only as planners or forethinkers but also as
self-regulators. Individuals must self-regulate their attempts to make their dreams a reality by
developing acceptable behaviors, establishing personal standards, and regulating and monitoring their
path of activity. It also covers self-motivation, self-management processes, and emotional states that
can interfere with self-regulation.
• Self-reflection - This core property indicates an individual's ability to reflect on their functioning,
including life aspirations, the meaning of activities taken to achieve goals, thoughts, and personal
efficacy.

THE SELF IN EASTERN AND WESTERN THOUGHT

There are distinct distinctions between the ideas of consciousness, self-awareness, personal identity, and "self,"
yet there is considerable overlap between them.
The perspectives of Western and Eastern philosophy are opposed.
West - self is defined in various ways,
East - the self is seen as an illusion.
Considering this, the position of the human self requires a new linguistic-philosophical analysis in light of both
contemporary science and philosophy.

I. EASTERN THOUGHT
A. CONFUCIANISM
According to Confucianism, the concept of self is linked to the social component of human existence. The self
is defined as a "relational self," described as "one who is acutely aware of the social presence of other
human beings" (Ho, 1995: 117). The individual self is thus dependent on all other selves. Therefore, the self is
obedient, responding to social demands rather than its own needs and goals. According to this philosophy, the
ideal self can be attained by harmonizing one's ordinary interactions with others and society (Ho, 1995: 118).

B. TAOISM
Taoism emphasizes the falsity of words even before Jacques Derrida's linguistic analysis and deconstruction
philosophy. Human language cannot define the so-called "Tao," the core of existence and the world, or the Way.
That is why we utilize paradoxes, contradictions, anecdotes, analogies, and aphorisms.

Tao is incomprehensible. "The self is simply one of the many expressions of the Tao," according to Taoist
belief. It is an extension of the universe" (Ho, 1995: 120). Taoism's peculiar explanation style characterizes
the self as follows: "The flawless man has no self; the spiritual man has no achievement; the true sage has no
name." Taoism's objective is hence the attainment of a lack of self, or "selflessness."

C. BUDDHISM
Buddha encouraged people to avoid dealing with metaphysics since it is pointless (Radhakrishnan, 1996: 236-
261). Nonetheless,
Buddhism contends that the self does not exist and is an illusion - "The self does not exist apart from the
states of consciousness." It reflects an unending succession of transient psychological states - this is
everything, which we subsume under the term self" (Radhakrishnan, 1996); there is no god, matter, or
phenomenal reality. As a result, the doctrine of "no-self" or "no-soul" arose (Ho, 1995: 121). No-self is attained
by self-negation in the state of nirvana, which is a "state of absolute, perpetual quiescence-a transcendent
condition of perfect equanimity beyond the grasp of ordinary people unawakened from the illusion of selfhood"
(Ho, 1995: 121).

II. WESTERN THOUGHT

A. INDIVIDUALISTIC VS COLLECTIVISTIC SELF
Individualistic Self
People tend to identify most strongly with themselves, putting their needs ahead of the group's requirements.
Maintaining one's health and well-being and being self-reliant contribute to the group's overall well-being. It is
highly valued and encouraged that individuals be able to fend for themselves. People have a general propensity
to emotionally and psychologically distance themselves from one another. Participation in groups may be
voluntary, but it is not essential to one's identity or success. Individualism is a characteristic that is typically
attributed to men and people who live in urban areas.
Collectivistic Self
One's membership and role in a group, such as the family or the work team, significantly influence one's identity.
This is especially true for younger people. Because an individual's well-being is tied to the survival and success
of the group, it makes sense that the best way to protect oneself would be to consider the needs and desires of
other people. There is an emphasis placed on and encouragement of the members of the group's
interdependence. Psychologically and emotionally, group members are far closer than non-group members. It's
common to associate collectivism with women and people who live in rural areas.

B. THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF SELF IN WESTERN THOUGHT

According to the theory of social constructionism, human beings construct their knowledge of the world within
the context of their social relationships. Much of what we perceive to be reality is founded on the assumptions
we share.

A social construct could comprise human values and beliefs towards the construct. As humans engage in
environmental activity, the construct is susceptible to modification. In conclusion, the self is a social construction
since it is governed by the social paradigms that nourish and develop our worldviews. This means that the self
is influenced by society.

FILIPINOS' REPRESENTATION OF SELF (Sta. Maria, 1999)

A. ANG SIMPLENG TAO

This type of person does not try to attract undue attention through his manner of dressing. The Simpleng Tao
Representation is useful when describing oneself on social occasions or when interpersonal relations are
ongoing. It is also used when one expresses one's goals and ambitions in life. Actions that characterize this
representation are maintaining a low profile in one's social world, conforming to external circumstances
(nakikibagay), being friendly to everyone (lahat ay kasundo), and not being choosy about what he may obtain
in life (hindi pihikan).

B. TAONG NAGSUSUMIKAP
This type of person possesses a goal in life. Patient, dedicated, persevering – these characterize this type of
person. This representation is useful when action is directed at objects and events desired by the individual.
This is usually situated in the workplace when a life challenge is met or the individual tries to obtain the desired
object. The individual goes through a lot of hardship (pinaghihirapan, pinagpapawisan, pinagpupuyatan), is
insistent (pinipilit), stands by one's decision (pinaninindigan niyang tama yung ginawa niyang desisyon), and
tries all one's best (talagang ginagawa niya lahat ng makakaya niya) to get the desired goal.

C. TAONG TAGO ANG KALOOBAN

This type of person is not easy to understand and is likewise not easy to get along with. He rarely mixes around
with others. Actions of this representation are usually directed at others with whom one is not close (ibang tao),
one feels indifferent to or uncomfortable with (ilang), or at others who caused the individual pain (nanakit na
tao). This representation is helpful in situations confusing for the individual (magulo) when unexpected. Still,
unpleasant events happen (hindi inaasahan, hindi nagugustuhan) when the individual has a problem or is
experiencing a strong emotion like anger or fear of criticism from others.

D. ANG TAONG HAYAG ANG KALOOBAN

This person expresses in a direct manner whatever is on her mind. One can tell immediately from her actions
whether she favors a person or not. One can also guess right away what her feelings or thoughts are. Activities
associated with the representation are directed to those one has strong feelings for: to those one dislikes (ayaw,
hindi gusto ang tao, kaaway) and to one feels love for (pagmamahal). People's inner feelings are expressed
when they feel they are being abused or exploited (inaabuso, niloloko) or irritated by another (kinukulit, iniinis,
iniistorbo). They express inner feelings when they cannot contain their anger or have lost their patience (naubos
ang pasensya, naiipon ang galit, hindi napipigilan) or that another is talking ill of them (sinisiraan).

In such situations, the person's expressions will take the form of cursing (nagmumura), shouting in front of other
people, or other forms that exhibit one's anger or irritation (e.g., nagdadabog, nagtataray). In most cases, the
person looses control of himself/herself (nawawala sa sarili, hindi mapigil ang sarili, lumalabas ang pagka-
barako). In expressing one's inner feelings, which are usually negative, one inevitably hurts the feelings of
others. In situations where the feelings that are expressed are not harmful, expression enables the person to
avert possible misunderstandings with another.

E. ANG TAONG MASAYAHIN

It is easy to make this type of person happy. It is likewise easy for this person to make others happy. The
representation for Ang Taong Masayahin is usually used to characterize the person in a situation where one's
peers are present. It is also used when others who need to be cheered are present. Situations are too serious
or too quiet and wherein a leisure activity is being engaged with friends.

Actions include telling jokes (nagpapatawa), laughing, doing things that can please another (gaga win kung ana
ang ikaliligaya), suddenly suggesting to go on a trip somewhere (biglang nag-aaya kung saan-saan,
maglakwatsa), teIling stories (makikipagkuwentuhan), or incessant talking (laging nagsasalita, madaldal). By
acting in this manner, the person is able to develop friendships or relationships with others, and one is able to
convey a message to another person in an indirect way (paraang mapagsabihan ang ibang tao sa isangparaan
hindi diretsahan).

F. ANG TAONG NAGMAMALASAKIT

This type of person readily shares her time with others. Actions that are associated with Ang Taong May
Malasakit are directed to those one maintains close relationships with, to those who are in need of help or have
problems, and to what is generally called as one's kapwa. Actions are characerized by a generosity that seems
boundless and beyond one's resources (para sa sarili ko, naibibigay ko pa sa iba; babaliktaran ko na ang
mundo, para lang matulungan sila; ibibigay na ang buong kaluluwa; lahat gagawin ko talaga) and a willingness
to listen to other's problems and to give advice or to think up of solutions. Ang Taong May Malasakit is also one
who readily approaches people, finds ways to cheer others, does not pick up a fight with others (hindi nakikipag-
away), does not easily get angry (hindi kaagad naiinis o nagagalit), and is expressive of one's positive feelings
about the other. Actions are also characterized by a willingness to take on household responsibilities and duties,
and to help address the family's needs. Actions that show thoughtfulness and an empathy for another person's
situation are likewise exhibited by Ang Taong May Malasakit.
The following are possible consequences of these actions: 1) one can avert or remove any ill feelings others
may have for the person (ayaw sumama ang loob ng tao sa kanya); 2) one can bring happiness to others
(nagpapasaya ng damdamin); 3) one, by exhibiting these actions, may experience some form of hardship
(nagigipit, nahihirapan, naagrabyado); and 4) one experiences what would generally be defined as a positive
inner feeling (gumagaan ang pakiramdam/kalooban)

G. ANG TAONG MATAPAT

This type of person is loyal to his friends. He tries to maintain his relationship with them through constant
communication. It pleases him to give support when needed. This representation is used in relationships with
friends, especially when help is required or favor is asked. As described above, actions affect one's ability to
keep secrets, defend, and support one's friends. Actions that maintain open and honest communication are also
necessary.