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Perceiving the Self

Self-concept and self-evaluation have a significant role in determining how individuals

first interact (self-esteem). In this article on self-perception and communication, communication

experts Ronald Adler and George Rodman examine how individuals view themselves and how

this perspective impacts their interactions with others. Our experiences and interactions with

others shape our self-perception. A person's self-concept is their collection of beliefs and

assumptions about themselves, which they tend to maintain steady across time. How we interact

with people in a conversation is profoundly influenced by this (Adler and George, 101). The

things we have done and the people we have met shape who we are. We interpret situations

differently depending on how we interact with others, influencing how we act. Our sense of

identity and our capacity for effective communication are both formed by the interconnectedness

of these ideas. Each person's sense of who they are comprises their blend of traits and

characteristics. This essay is a response to "Perceiving the Self" by Ronald Adler and George

Rodman. It examines how our sense of identity influences our interpretations of the world

around us. All of these factors may either benefit or negatively affect people's perspectives of
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others and their ability to interact with one another. This essay will also detail a personal

experience of mine and explain how it connects to the topic at hand.

Since fully established self-concepts do not often seem particularly sensitive to

communication from others, it might be challenging to detect this link as an adult. If, for

example, you have always thought of yourself as brilliant and someone criticizes your intellect,

you will not start questioning this belief. However, as the authors show, children are not born

with an idea of who they are, and they must rely on the opinions and comments of others to form

their own identity. People come to rely on the approval of others to maintain a particular

perception of themselves. The authors construct a case for realizing how the words of others

shape one's self-perception. Reflected appraisal describes how people form an impression of

themselves based on how they believe others see them (Adler and George, 102). Thus, one's

self-concept includes the external and internal evaluations of one's physical and social attributes

acquired via interactions with others. How you feel about yourself is consistent throughout time,

although it may change. Self-concept formation is a dynamic process that requires participation

from several parties. A person takes in the feedback of others on a selective basis, with the

clearest signals coming from close friends and family. Unfortunately, there are individuals whose

views you appreciate even though they may not have a positive view of you. When this happens,

you may find yourself torn between embracing yourself as you are and altering who you are to

suit someone who does not have your best interests at heart.

How others see us and how we present ourselves to the world can contribute to who we

believe we are. How other people see us based on our behaviours and interactions with them is

our "public self." How we emotionally and physically evaluate ourselves is what we term our

"perceived self." It is understandable to equate one's public and perceived self. Some people may
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see no distinction between the two ideas. Nobody seems to know who they seem to be to the

outside world (Adler and George, 104). I consider myself an introvert, yet others may have a

different impression of me. As a person, I might think I'm the friendliest person on the planet,

but based on how I act around other people, they might have a very different opinion.

I am not able to disguise that I am not interested in conversing and being unable to

maintain eye contact are challenges I have while speaking with people. My poor communication

abilities are likely the result of social anxiety. These tests may affect how the world and I see

myself. As a result, my public image may suffer if others learn about my difficulties and form

opinions about me based on them. These difficulties impact my sense of myself and how I come

across to others, which in turn impacts my ability to communicate and form relationships. The

person I am and how I communicate with others stem directly from these experiences. The

theory of reflected appraisal supports that this is true. I therefore agree with arguments made

Adler and George in their article “Perceiving the Self”

In conclusion, multiple factors, including interpersonal interaction, shape an individual's

sense of self. Our sense of ourselves and how we express ourselves are shaped by several

theories, including reflected appraisal, self-fulfilling prophecy, and social comparison. Our sense

of identity is also affected by how we see ourselves and others. Be confident in yourself and

demand the best of yourself at all times; it will help you have a positive self-perception and

improve your communication skills.

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Works Cited

Adler, RONALD B., and G. E. O. R. G. E. Rodman. "Perceiving the self." Making connections:

Readings in relational communication (4th ed., pp. 75-79). Los Angeles, CA:

Roxbury (2006).