emotion and motivation Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the self-concept?
An individual’s mental representation of themselves, including their attributes, values, and beliefs
How is the self-concept developed?
Through life experiences, social feedback, and introspection
What are the key motivational functions of the self-concept?
- Drive for self-consistency
- Pursuit of possible selves
- Desire for self-enhancement
- Expression of intrinsic agency
What does the drive for self-consistency lead individuals to do?
Behave in ways that align with their established self-schemas
What are self-schemas?
Domain-specific beliefs about oneself, formed from past experiences and social feedback
What is Swann’s self-verification theory?
Individuals actively seek information and relationships that confirm their existing self-concept
What do possible selves represent?
Future versions of the self that guide goal-directed behaviour
What are the types of possible selves according to Markus and Nurius?
- Hoped-for identities
- Feared identities
How do imagined selves influence behaviour?
They provide structure and direction, motivating individuals toward desired outcomes or away from feared ones
What is self-enhancement?
The tendency to view oneself in an overly positive light to protect and promote self-esteem
What did Brown (1998) find regarding self-perception?
People generally endorse more positive traits than negative ones about themselves
How do self-enhancing biases help individuals?
They help remain resilient in the face of setbacks, buffering against negative feedback
What is intrinsic agency?
The individual’s internal drive for self-determined growth and development
According to Self-Determination Theory, when does intrinsic motivation arise?
When basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are satisfied
What is the role of agency in the self-concept?
It motivates individuals to seek challenges and expand their abilities
What is a key conclusion about the self-concept?
It shapes behaviour, goal striving, and personal identity across the lifespan
Fill in the blank: The self-concept serves several key motivational functions, including the drive for self-consistency, the pursuit of possible selves, the desire for self-enhancement, and the expression of __________.
[intrinsic agency]
