Contrast and Compare Notions of Self / Identity

Abstract

This essay discusses the various concepts of self or identity especially self concept and self esteem which is how a person thinks of themselves and also how they see themselves in comparison to others. This essay also compares and contrasts them according to various psychological theories of self given by various prominent psychologists. Then we choose two personality theories. Here, we choose the ones given by Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung that describe the psyche and mind of people. Then we have to analyze and see the application of these very same theories on some personality whether psychopathological, normal or exceptional in this case Sigmund Freud's and Carl Gustav Jung's theories.

Contrast and Compare Notions of Self / Identity

Introduction

Self concept refers to what a person thinks and perceive about them and how one considers themselves distinctly from others. It also has to do with a person becoming aware of themselves as a separate entity also in relation to others. Our concept of self refers to who we are and therefore, is pretty much permanent over longer periods of time. One's concept of self may also depend on what standards the society has set of how people are perceived in that particular society in relation to various aspects of life. Sometimes the concept of self or identity is confused with the concept of self-esteem or self respect though there is a difference. But still if one's concept of self is good, that person is likely to have positive self esteem.

Self esteem is how high or how little one thinks of themselves.With regard to self, there are various theories given by different individuals one of which is by Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist. His theory is called the theory of self actualization. According to this theory, self actualization is a process in which an individual tries to become the best that they can be. According to Maslow, one must become what he is capable of fully utilizing his potential.

Another theory of self was presented by Carl Rogers. He was a very prominent American psychologist. He also presented his idea of self actualization saying that there is a motivation that is inherent in every individual because of which they work towards getting to the best they can. One major difference between Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers' theories is that Rogers applied his theory to all living organisms. Further elaborating the concept, there are theories on personality by Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung, two very noticeable psychologists.

Discussion

Personality Theories

Sigmund Freud's Theory of Personality

Sigmund Freud born in 1856 was a doctor whose specialized field was neurology. Sigmund Freud is considered a pioneer in the field of psychoanalysis. He described the hidden reasons in one's personality that are responsible for how a person behaves. According to Sigmund Freud most of the areas of one's personality are hidden deep inside one's mind and therefore not visible, and the person is unaware of them. If we look at how Sigmund Freud ...