How does self-perception and identity shape communication, and vice-versa?
Why is an understanding of identity and self-perception important for interpersonal communication competence?
Successful students will be able to:
explain three types of identities
recognize six principles of identity
describe how self-concept, self-esteem, and self-efficacy shape our self-perception
describe how family and media influence self-perception
explain how self-perception, identity and communication are interrelated
recognize how awareness of self-presentation, cultural context and self-fulfilling prophecy can help us build communication competence
Ask yourself the following questions: “Who am I?” and “What defines me?” We may think these are easy questions to answer and that we have a good grasp on our identity and what comprises it. However, our identities are not inherent and fixed. Who we are and what defines us changes throughout our lives. In addition, the way we communicate with others and vice-versa creates, shapes, and reshapes our identity in significant ways. While some people may assert “This is just who I am” or “I was born this way,” our identities are actually formed through a variety of processes and interactions, and, as such, are dynamic and never fully complete. In this chapter, we will learn about various types of identities, address the principles of identity, examine factors that shape our self-perception, explore the relationship between identity and communication, and discuss how to improve communication competence.
(Image: The Awkward Yeti, used according to license)
Just as our perception of others affects how we communicate, so too does our perception or view of ourselves. But what influences how we see ourselves? How much of ourselves is a product of our own making and how much of it is constructed based on how others react to us? How do we present ourselves to others in ways that maintain our sense of self or challenge how others see us?
Since it’s impossible to develop into adults by ourselves, how do others play a role in creating the self? Who has a significant part to play and what are the communication processes that impact this formation? This section will examine not just how family or friends contribute to who you become, but also how society contributes to this process.
When we communicate about ourselves does our communication play any part in developing who we are? In other words, how does our own communication play a part in how we perceive ourselves or how others see us? Does participating in social media impact our self-concept or self-esteem? Let’s consider these questions in this section.
After learning about the self you may want to make changes in how you view yourself and/or communicate with others. If this is true, how do you start? Is the process as easy as simply making the decision? In this section, we find out!
Sections 4.1.0–4.1.2, 4.3.0-4.4.2, & 4.6.3: adapted from Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies; University of Minnesota; 2016; CC BY NC SA 4.0
Sections 4.2.1-4.2.5: adapted from The Open University; OpenLearn; CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Sections 4.0, 4.2.6, 4.5.0-4.5.1, 4.6.1, & 4.6.2: Interpersonal Communication Abridged Textbook (I.C.A.T.); Central New Mexico Community College; 2019; CC BY NC SA 4.0
