Includes bibliographical references (pages 377-406) and index.
Contents:
The remarkable human self. What is the self? -- The self in social context -- How the modern Western self took shape -- Different societies make different kinds of selves -- Four pitfalls of self theories : no self, multiple selves, authentic true selves, and self-actualization -- Why do we have selves? -- Some beginnings of self -- How baby grows up to have a working self -- Human groups need (and shape) selves -- Moral reputation as a foundation of self -- The unity project : the unfinished business of stitching the self together -- Know thyself. Self-awareness -- What sort of knowledge is self-knowledge? -- Why know thyself? -- Building self-knowledge : how people learn about themselves -- Self-esteem -- Accuracy and illusion in self-beliefs -- The self as active agent. The self in action -- Self-regulation and self-control -- Decision making, autonomy, and free will -- The self in relation to others. The interpersonal self -- The self as group member -- Self-presentation -- Self as close relationship partner -- Problems of self. Problems of the modern self -- The stress of self, and some escape routes -- Selves and mental illness -- The deep puzzle of self-defeating behavior -- Ways the mind can organize self-beliefs -- Epilogue. The self : a summary.
Summary:
The idea of the self is immediately familiar to everyone, yet elusive to define and understand. From pioneering researcher Roy F. Baumeister, this volume synthesizes a vast body of knowledge to provide a panoramic view of the human self -- how it develops and functions, why it exists, and what problems it encounters on the journey through life. What are the benefits of self-knowledge, and how attainable is it? Do we have one self, or many? What is the relationship of self and society? In 28 concise chapters, Baumeister explains complex concepts with clarity and insight. He reveals the central role played by the self in enabling both individuals and cultures to thrive. -- Provided by publisher. "Part I addresses basic questions on how to think about the self. How does the individual fit in to society, and indeed is the self shaped more by society or by individual choice and action? Chapter 2 describes how the self results from active interplay of the individual animal and the symbolic society. Chapter 3 explores how the modern Western self took shape over time. Chapter 4 looks at cultural differences in self. In Chapter 5, I try to ward off some important misconceptions about the self. Chapters 6 and 7 look at some beginnings of self including child development, which reveals the process of selves taking shape. Chapter 8 elaborates on why groups need selves. Chapter 9 describes why moral reputation is a foundation of self and Chapter 10 discusses why unity over time is a key to self yet always unfinished. Parts III-V consider three essential parts of the self: self-knowledge, the active part of the self, and interpersonal aspects of self. The chapters in Part VI examine problems of self, ways that selves fail to function as one would like including stress, self-defeating behaviors, and mental illness"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.