Lesson 4 past experiences are strongly influenced by your feelings, motives, and decisions

Psychological Self and stored in the unconscious.

Psychology gives emphasis on how humans think, feel, and behave. The concern of
Psychology is everything that concerns human beings from consciousness,
memory, reasoning, motivation, personality, mental health, and other human
experiences. The so-called Science of Self is rooted from various psychological
theories and principles and the self has been used as an object of several
psychological constructs. Perhaps, it is important to explore some psychological
theories of the self to further understand it.

Psychoanalytic Perspective
One of the famous and most influential thinkers of Psychology is Sigmund Freud
(1856- 1939). The most important contribution of Freud was psychoanalysis, which
was based on the theory that behavior is determined by powerful inner forces To easily remember the terms, refer to the table below:
where most of which are buried in the unconscious mind. This work of Freud
CONSCIOUS PRECONSCIOUS UNCONSCIOUS
became the first to answer the questions about the human psyche. Psyche means
Present Can easily be made conscious Beyond awareness
the totality of the human mind that includes conscious and unconscious in Awareness Available memory Includes drives, urges, or instincts
psychology (Reshetnikov, 2023, Otig, 2018). He distinguished 3 levels of the human Direct memory Memories (requires retrieval) Source of motivation
mental life and used Iceberg as an analogy to describe it. P.A.D. C.A.M. B.I.S.

Levels of Mental Life Provinces of the Mind

1.Conscious Mind. It consists of all the mental processes of which you are aware
of, and this is seen in the tip of the iceberg. For example, you may be feeling
hungry at this moment, and you decide to get food to eat.
2.Preconscious Mind. It contains thought and feelings that you are currently aware
of but can easily be brought to consciousness (1924). This would refer to our
"memory". For example, you are not thinking about your mobile phone number
but when you are asked about it you can recall it easily.
Freud introduced a three-part structural model in the 1920s. The topographic
model was not replaced by this division of the mind into three provinces, but it did
assist Freud in explaining mental images in terms of their purposes or functions.
Furthermore, these provinces or regions are purely conceptual constructs with no
actual territorial existence. The ego cuts across different topographic levels and
has conscious, preconscious, and unconscious components, whereas the superego
is both preconscious and unconscious and the id is completely unconscious as a
result of their interaction with the three levels of mental life (Feist et al., 2018).

3. Unconscious Mind. It comprises mental processes that are inaccessible to In a gist, we can classify the three provinces using the table below:
consciousness but influences your judgments, feelings, or behavior (Wilson, 2002).
For Freud, this level of the mind is the primary source of human behavior. Like an
iceberg, the most important part of the mind is the part that you cannot see. Your
 1. Fixation “remain” – permanent attachment to earlier
ID (das es) EGO (das ich) SUPEREGO stage of life
(das uber ich) 2. Reaction “disgust” – exaggerated opposite reaction
-Most primitive -Aroused from the ID -Grows out of the EGO (5-7 Formation
-Chaotic during infancy years old) 3. Repression “forget” – most basic defense mechanism
-Inaccessible to -The only region in -Represents moral and ideal 4. Regression “go back” – brief detachment to earlier stage of
consciousness contact with reality aspects life to feel safe
-Unchangeable -Sole source of -No contact with the outside 5. Introjection “copy” – own others’ standards to reduce feeling
-Amoral communication with world of inferiority
-Illogical the external world -Unrealistic in its demands 6. Displacement “redirect” – put towards others
-Unorganized for perfection 7. Projection “mirror out” – undesired-self project to others
Filled with energy from Balances the 2 aspects Paranoia – extreme type of
basic drives opposing demands of - Conscience (shouldn’t projection
- Sex ID and SUPEREGO do but you did otherwise) 8. Sublimation “socially accepted” – produce rewarding
- Aggression -Ego-ideal (should do things/ accomplishments
but you did not
otherwise) Psychosocial Perspective
Pleasure Principle Reality Principle Moral Principle Known for his ground-breaking theory of psychosocial development, eminent
psychologist and psychoanalyst Erik Erikson (1902-1994) is revered today. Sigmund
EGO is always caught in the middle of the battles between superego’s desires for Freud's psychosexual stages were the foundation for Erikson's theory, which builds
moral behavior and the ID’s desires for immediate gratification. When EGO can on them.
barely control ID impulses, it creates neurotic anxiety. It can be manifested
through phobias, performance anxiety, obsessions and compulsion. On the other Erikson proposed the three interrelated aspects of the Ego
hand, when EGO is threatened by SUPEREGO with punishment, it creates moral 1.Body ego. It refers to the experiences with our body, way of seeing physical self
anxiety. as different from other people.

Defense Mechanism
EGO use defense mechanisms to distort reality and protect a person from anxiety.
Although defense mechanisms are normal and universally used, when carried to an
extreme would lead to compulsive, repetitive, and neurotic behavior. The principal
defense mechanisms are shown in the table below:
2.Ego ideal. It represents the image we have of ourselves in comparison with an
established ideal.
4. Ego identity: It is the image we have of ourselves in the variety of social roles
we play.

Although innate abilities play a role in personality development, society has a

Defense Mechanism FUNCTION significant impact on how the ego develops. Different societies tend to mold
personalities that fit their needs and cultural values due to differences in child-
rearing practices. Erikson's theory places a strong emphasis on the lifelong process
of human growth and development, which includes a range of psychosocial
challenges individuals encounter at various stages of their lives. Following the
epigenetic principle, the psychosocial stages of development occur in the correct
order and at the appropriate times for each stage. One stage develops from and
builds on another, but it does not take the place of the earlier stage. Every stage is
characterized by an identity crisis, which needs to be successfully managed to
encourage the development of a positive personality. It's crucial to experience the
interaction of opposites in each stage (Chen, 2021). However, personality
development does not occur as a result of earlier events. Therefore, it is a
combination of connected past, present, and events that a person has anticipated.

Stage Favorable Too much Unfavorable Too much Conflict

Experience Favorable Experience Unfavorable produce
Experience Experience strength
Infancy Trust Sensory Distortion Mistrust Withdrawal Hope
Early Childhood Autonomy Impulsivity Shame & Doubt Compulsion Will Theory of the Self
William James (1842-1910) is known as
Play Age Initiative Ruthlessness Guilt Inhibition Purpose the father of American Psychology and
School Age Industry Narrow Virtuosity Inferiority Inertia Competence wrote the
Adolescence Identity Fanaticism Identity Confusion Role Fidelity famous “The Principles of Psychology”, a
Repudiation book that was considered as one of the
Young Intimacy Promiscuity Isolation Exclusivity Love most important and influential in the
Adulthood history of Psychology. In his theory of the
Adulthood Generativity Overextension Stagnation Rejective Care self, he proposed that the self has two
Old Age Integrity Presumption Despair Disdain Wisdom elements: I-self and Meself (Halliwell,
2019).

The I-self is what he called the subjective self or pure ego. This is part of the self
that knows who you are and what you have done in your life. This is further
characterized as initiator of your actions, has sense of identity (aware of being
unique from others), continuity ('I am the same self that I was yesterday,') and
awareness (aware of what is going on in the environment).

The ME-self is the objective or empirical self, thus it can be thought of as a
separate object or individual a person refers to when describing their personal
experiences. James conceptualized three different but interrelated aspects of the
Me self:
1.the material self (all those aspects of material existence in which we feel a strong
sense of ownership, our bodies, our families, our possessions),
2.the social self (our felt social relations), and
3.the spiritual self (our feelings of our own subjectivity).
Now, what is the self of all the other selves? James stated “A man has as many
social selves as there are individuals who recognize him and carry an image of him
in their mind. To hurt one of these images is to hurt him.”
Hierarchy of Needs
Famous humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) is best known for
the
hierarchy of needs and his theory of self-actualization. Maslow's theory of
motivation is based on his conviction that every person has an innate desire for
self-actualization, fulfillment, and growth.
Maslow's theory is based on the idea of self-actualization, which is the highest
state of psychological development and the realization of one's full potential.
Maslow contends that self- actualization—the process of striving to become the
best possible version of oneself while
maximizing one's skills and talents—is the ultimate aim of human life (Feist et al.,
2018).
The Hierarchy of Needs is composed of (read from bottom to top):
1.Self-Actualization. At the top of the hierarchy, is the desire to realize one's
potential, experience personal growth, and improve oneself while pursuing
meaningful and
fulfilling experiences.
4.Esteem. People pursue self-esteem, recognition, and respect after their lower-
level needs are met in an effort to improve their self-image and win the respect of
others.
3. Love and Belonging. As humans look for companionship and affection from
others, this level encompasses the need for social connections, relationships,
and a sense of belonging.
2. Safety. To feel safe from harm and danger, people seek safety, security, and
stability in their surroundings.
1.Physiological. The fundamental biological necessities for survival include things
like food, water, shelter, and sleep.
Self-Actualization Framework
Carl Rogers (1902-1987) is regarded as one of the pioneers of humanistic
psychology. Rogers made a significant impact on the fields of psychology,
counseling, and education. He is renowned for his compassionate approach to
therapy and ground-breaking theories on human behavior. He consistently
emphasized the value of appreciating and fostering people's innate capacity for
development and self-actualization throughout his career. Carl Rogers had a
The self-image is different to the ideal self The self-image is similar to the ideal self
There is only a little overlap There is a more overlap
Self-actualization will be difficult Can self-actualize
significant impact on counseling and therapy, but he also made important
contributions to the definition and comprehension of the idea of the self. Rogers'
emphasis on the self-concept, which he saw as a crucial component of
psychological health and personal development, was at
the heart of his humanistic perspective (Feist et al., 2018; Miller & Moyers, 2017).
He believed that human is motivated to fulfill one’s potential and achieve the
highest level of being-ness, which he coined “actualizing tendency.” Actualizing
tendency is the basic force of life – we are always trying to better ourselves in
some way. Also, he further divided the self into two categories: the ideal self and
the real self.
1.The IDEAL SELF is the person that you would like yourself to be; it is your concept
of the” best me” who is worthy of admiration.
2. The REAL SELF is the person you actually are. It is how you behave right at the
moment of a situation. It is who you are in reality-how you think, feel, or act at
present.
For a person to achieve self-actualization, the individual’s ideal and real self must
be in a state of congruence. This would mean that a person’s “ideal self” (who
yourself would like to be) is congruent with your actual behavior/ real self (self-
image), only then you become a fully functioning person.
For Rogers (1959), how you want feel, experience and behave that is consistent
with your self-image is also a reflection of what you would like to be, your ideal
self. The closer your self-image and ideal self, the more congruent you are, and the
higher your sense of self-worth. A person is said to be in a state of incongruence if
some of the totality of their experience is unacceptable to them and is denied or
distorted in the self-image.
As we prefer to see ourselves in ways that are consistent with our self-image, we
may use defense mechanisms to feel less threatened by some of what we consider
to be our undesirable feelings. A person whose self-concept is incongruent with
her or his real feelings and experiences will defend because the truth hurts
(Mcleod, 2014). The two chief defenses are:
1.Distortion happens when a person misinterprets an experience in order to fit it
into some aspect of his/her self-concept. The person perceives the experience in
awareness but fails to understand its true meaning.
2.Denial is when an individual refuse to perceive an experience in awareness, or at
least keep some aspect of it from reaching symbolization
True and False Self
To attain self-actualization one should be align with the actual self or real or true
self, as proposed by Carl Rogers in the previous topic. But what is true and
authentic self? How can you connect to such self? Dr. Donald Winnicott (1896-
1971) a British psychoanalyst and prominent pediatrician proposed the theory of
true and false self in his paper in 1960. He asserted that a person has two selves
the true self and false self (Parker & Davis, 2009).
1.The True Self refers to a sense of self; who you really are; and the one who
experience/feeling the moment of being alive.
2.The False Self is the protective shield the vulnerable true self. Its behaviors are
leant and controlled by the environment that surrounds you.
But how did you develop the false self? According to Winnicott, developing false
self starts when you are a baby and highlighting the importance of the “mother” as
your primary caretakers. As a baby, you cry, laugh and react to things
spontaneously and genuinely; you are simply being you. However, as a baby you
are being controlled to be yourself by your mother or caretaker. Then, you start to
feel that your need and desires are unacceptable, thus, you now learn to be
“compliant,” to modify and adjust your impulses and behavior, hiding your true
self and start to construct the false self.

For example, when you were a baby, you cried out because you want attention,
you want to be hugged and held but your mother responded differently maybe she
kept busy doing her laundry or cleaning the house. With this, you will just adjust
with what they are saying, so you cried out loud because you don’t need anyone,
you are not lonely instead. This would be a manifestation of your false self but
underneath your true self really longs for attention and hug. The claim of your false
self that you don’t need anyone could even become so strong that your true self
initial desire to be hugged and held may slip out of your consciousness and get
hidden away in your unconscious. For Winnicott, one can live successfully even
with really active false selves, but you live deep inside feeling unsatisfied. The
more you act according to your false self, the less authentic you become, resulting
to feeling empty that at times you have no idea why you feel this way.

This theory would suggest that the sense of self fosters within your earliest
relationships with parents or caretakers and family. And you will continue to adapt
based on your relationships as you grow and reach adulthood. But where you start
is a crucial step in how you move forward.

ASSESSMENT
LESSON 4 PSYCHOLOGICAL SELF
I. Choose the letter that represents the correct answer.

1.Defense mechanisms, as proposed by Freud, are:

a)Techniques used by the ego to protect the conscious mind
b)Strategies used by the ego to navigate the preconscious mind
c)Psychological processes used by the unconscious to control desires
d)Unconscious strategies used by the ego to cope with anxiety and protect self-
esteem
2.Sara is facing a challenging decision, and she can't seem to make up her mind.
According to Freud's theory, which level of mental life might be influencing her
indecisiveness?
a)Conscious b) Preconscious c) Subconscious d) Unconscious
3.Mark has an intense fear of snakes that he can't explain. He doesn't remember
any traumatic experiences with snakes in his life. According to Freud's theory,
the origin of Mark's fear is likely from which province of the mind?
a)Ego b) Id c) Superego d) Unconscious
4.After receiving a low grade on her exam, Emma unconsciously redirects her
feelings of disappointment and frustration toward her roommate, picking a fight
over a minor issue. This defense mechanism is known as:
a)Projection b) Regression c) Repression d) Sublimation
5.Maria is feeling conflicted about her desire to pursue her dream career versus
the pressure from her family to follow a more traditional path. According to
Freud's theory, which province of the mind is likely influencing Maria's internal
struggle?
a)Ego b) Id c) Superego d) Unconscious
6.According to William James' theory of the self, which term describes an
individual's beliefs and feelings about themselves?
a)Ego b) Consciousness c) Self-concept d) Subconscious
7.Susan is an ambitious and confident person who believes she can achieve her
goals through hard work and determination. According to William James, which
aspect of the self is Susan expressing?
a)Material self b) Social self c) Spiritual self d) Me-self
8.Jason is an artist who experiences a state of "flow" when he is completely
immersed in his creative process. According to William James, which aspect of
the self is Jason experiencing during these moments?
a)Material self b) Social self c) Pure ego d) I-self
9.The "looking-glass self" concept, where individuals form their self-concept
based on how they believe others perceive them, aligns closely with which
aspect of William James' theory?
a)Material self b) Social self c) Spiritual self d) Me-self
10.Emily is a compassionate and caring individual who finds a sense of
meaning and purpose in her volunteer work. According to William James,
which aspect of the self is Emily fulfilling through her altruistic actions?
a)Material self b) Social self c) Spiritual self d) Me-self
11.According to Carl Rogers, self-actualization refers to:
a)The formation of an individual's ideal self through external influences.
b)The ability to maintain a stable self-concept despite conflicting beliefs.
c)The defense mechanism that shields the individual from anxiety and distress.
d)The process of becoming one's true, authentic self and fulfilling one's
potential.
12.The term "real self" in Carl Rogers' theory refers to:
a)The true, authentic, and genuine representation of the individual as they are.
b)The defensive mechanism that distorts reality to protect the ego from
discomfort.
c)The state of congruence where the self-concept aligns with the person's actual
experiences.
d)The person an individual aspires to become and their vision of the best
version of themselves.
13.When someone experiences a conflict between their real self and their ideal
self, they are likely to feel:
a)Anxious and uneasy. c) Satisfied and content.
b)Congruent and self-actualized. d) Detached and indifferent
14.Carl Rogers' concept of defense mechanism is different from Freud's in that:
a)Rogers' defense mechanisms are innate and instinctive, while Freud's are
learned responses.
b)Rogers' defense mechanisms operate at the unconscious level, while Freud's
operate at the conscious level.
c)Rogers' defense mechanisms are primarily observed in childhood, while
Freud's continue to influence behavior throughout life.
d)Rogers' defense mechanisms involve distorting reality to protect the self-
concept, while Freud involves protecting the individual from unacceptable
thoughts and desires
15.A person who experiences incongruence between their self-concept and their
actual experiences is more likely to:
a)Experience anxiety, defensiveness, and dissatisfaction.
b)Develop a strong sense of self-acceptance and self-esteem.
c)Engage in self-actualizing behaviors and fulfill their potential.
d)Demonstrate higher levels of empathy and compassion towards others
16.According to Donald Winnicott, the "True Self" refers to:
a)The authentic and genuine aspect of an individual's personality.
b)The defensive mechanism that distorts reality to protect the ego from
discomfort.
c)The part of the self that is shaped by external influences and societal
expectations.
d)The state of congruence where the self-concept aligns with the person's actual
experiences
17..The "False Self" in Donald Winnicott's theory is characterized by:
a)A state of emotional openness and vulnerability.
b)A strong sense of self-identity and self-awareness.
c)A congruence between the individual's self-concept and their actual
experiences.
d)The person's ability to adapt and meet others' expectations, but at the expense
of their true feelings and desires
18.When someone experiences a significant discrepancy between their True
Self and False Self, they are likely to feel:
a)Authentic and self-actualized. c) Satisfied and content with their
relationships.
b)Anxious and disconnected from their true emotions d) Indifferent and
detached from others.
19.The False Self is often developed as a coping mechanism in response to:
a)Social pressures and expectations from caregivers.
b)Traumatic events that lead to emotional suppression.
c)A strong sense of self-confidence and assertiveness.
d)Early childhood experiences of unconditional love and acceptance.
20.Winnicott believed that the False Self develops as a defense against:
a)Emotional pain and vulnerability.
b)Fear of abandonment and rejection.
c)Unconscious desires and repressed memories.
d)Internal conflicts between the id and the superego.
21.What do individuals seek at the Safety Needs level of the hierarchy?
a)Personal growth and self-improvement c) Self-esteem and recognition
b)Security and stability in their environment d) Social connections and
relationships
22.Which need is associated with the desire for companionship and affection
from others?
a)Esteem Needs c) Physiological Needs
b)Love and Belongingness Needs d) Self-Actualization Needs
23.At which level of the hierarchy, do individuals strive to develop a positive
self-image and gain the admiration of others?
a)Esteem Needs c) Safety Needs
b)Physiological Needs d) Self-Actualization Needs
24.What is the ultimate goal of the hierarchy of needs according to Maslow? 30.In Erikson's theory, what is the significance of successfully handling
a)Achieving self-actualization and personal growthc) Gaining social recognition conflicts or crises at each stage?
and admiration a)To achieve self-actualization. c) To develop cognitive abilities.
b)Fulfilling basic biological requirements d) Establishing a sense of security b)To foster healthy personality development. d) To become famous
and stability
25.Once an individual's physiological needs and safety needs are met, what
becomes more important in the hierarchy?
a)Esteem Needs c) Love and Belongingness Needs
b)Self-Actualization Needs d) Physiological Need

26.Which level of the hierarchy involves seeking personal growth, fulfillment,

and becoming the best version of oneself?
a)Esteem Needs c) Safety Needs
b)Love and Belongingness Needs d) Self-Actualization Needs

27.According to Erikson's theory, what does "ego identity" refer to?

a)The image of who knows about others to ourselves but is denied.
b)The image we have of ourselves in the variety of social roles we play.
c)The image we have of ourselves in comparison with an established ideal.
d)The experiences with our body and the way we see ourselves physically
different from others.

28.Which aspect of the ego represents the experiences with our body and the
way we see ourselves as physically different from others?
a)Body ego b) Ego ideal c) Ego identity d) Superego

29.What does the "ego ideal" represent in Erikson's theory?

a)The experiences with our body and the way we see ourselves physically
different from others.
b)The image we have of ourselves in comparison with an established ideal.
c)The image we have of ourselves in the variety of social roles we play.
d)The image who knows about others to ourselves but denied.