Our self-beliefs heavily influence our limitations and potential, and I want to summarize key theories on this, an area I’ve personally struggled with. I aim to share information and techniques because many unknowingly restrict themselves, unaware of their self-influence and its positive potential. While my approach might overlap with accredited fields, which I acknowledge, I’m also curious about relevant research. Here are some fields exploring our self-narratives.
Constructivism
This is essentially a broad view that I tend to subscribe to. It is a metatheoretical perspective asserting that individuals actively create or construct their own understanding of the world through their experiences and reflections. It contrasts with the idea that knowledge is passively received or is a direct reflection of an objective reality.
Constructivism in psychology offers a fundamental (and progressive) shift in how we understand the mind and learning. It emphasizes the agency of the individual in creating their own knowledge and meaning, highlighting the subjective and experiential nature of human understanding. This perspective has had a significant impact on various subfields of psychology, including developmental psychology (Piaget), cognitive psychology, social psychology (social constructionism), and psychotherapy (as seen in narrative and constructivist therapies).
Narrative Identity Theory
This theory, notably by Dan McAdams, posits that we construct an internal, evolving story of the self to provide unity and purpose in life. This narrative integrates our past experiences, present circumstances, and anticipated future.
The narrative approach, aligned with constructivism, also holds hope that problematic understandings of self can be dismantled and reverse engineered. Deconstruction refers to the process where dominant, often problem-saturated narratives are examined to understand how they were constructed and what assumptions they hold, ideally to free the individual of the limits they impose.
Potential: Our self-narrative can either enable or limit our perceived potential. Stories of overcoming adversity can foster a belief in our ability to tackle future challenges. Conversely, narratives focused on past failures might hinder our aspirations. Re-authoring is a process of developing new, preferred stories based on the unique outcomes and the individual’s values and goals. This involves strengthening the alternative narratives and giving them more prominence. The effectiveness of these techniques in addressing various issues supports the idea that the stories we tell ourselves (a core constructivist concept) are crucial for well-being.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative or unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to improve emotional regulation and develop personal coping strategies.
CBT originated in the 60s, out of Aaron Becks’ dissatisfaction with then current treatments for depression. He showed how challenging and interrupting negative thought helped depressive symptoms. The concepts apply to milder conditions than depression though. Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected.
Second-Wave CBT
Approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Metacognitive Therapy, often considered “second-wave” CBT, incorporate constructivist ideas by focusing on the individual’s relationship with their thoughts and feelings rather than just the content of those thoughts. These therapies emphasize acceptance, mindfulness, and the construction of a meaningful life, aligning with the constructivist focus on individual values and experiences.
Social Identity Theory
This one is all about groups. Developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner, this theory focuses on how our group memberships (social identities) contribute to our self-concept and identity. We categorize ourselves and others into social groups, and derive part of our identity from these affiliations.
Group identity can provide a sense of collective efficacy and potential. Believing in the capabilities of our group can empower us individually.
Self-Perception Theory
This is the big one. I fall back onto this one a lot, and I think it’s the most useful theory to actually improve your self-image and change your life, because it’s less about words, and more about action. Ask any screenwriter, showing is more powerful than telling. For example observing ourselves engage in creativity will enhance our belief in our creative potential. Swap creative for anything in that last sentence.
Daryl Bem’s theory suggests that we infer our attitudes and feelings by observing our own behavior, especially when our internal states are ambiguous. Essentially, we tell ourselves stories about why we acted a certain way, and these stories shape our self-concept.
The Looking Glass
Charles Horton Cooley’s concept describes how our self-concept is formed by imagining how others perceive us. We see ourselves reflected in the “mirror” of other people’s reactions and internalize these perceptions as part of our self-image.
But if our self-narrative emphasizes the possibility of closing these gaps, it can fuel motivation and a belief in our potential for growth.