Although cognitive dissonance theory has inspired much research, an even simpler theory may explain the link between behaviors and attitudes. Consider, for example, the insinuations we make about the attitudes of others: we see how a person acts in a particular situation and then attribute the behavior to his or her traits and attitudes or to environmental forces.
If we see parents forcing their 10-year-old to apologize, we attribute the apology to the situation, not their own personal regret. Self-perception theory suggests that we make similar inferences when observing our behavior. In this Psychology-Online article, we will see What is self-perception, the theories about it and some examples to improve it.
What is self-perception
When our attitudes are weak or ambiguous, we put ourselves in the position of someone observing us from the outside. Listening to one another while speaking informs us about our attitudes, that is, seeing our actions gives us clues about the solidity of my beliefs.
This is especially true when we cannot easily attribute our behavior to external constraints. The actions we perform deliberately are self-performing. Therefore, the theory of self-perception is that when we are not sure of our attitudes, we deduce them by observing our behavior and the circumstances in which it happens.
Difference between self-concept and self-perception
Self-concept is understood as the image we have created of ourselves: not just a visual image, but the set of ideas that we believe define us, on a conscious and unconscious level. This includes an almost infinite number of concepts that could be included in this “image” about ourselves, as each idea can contain many more within it, creating category systems that are one within the other.
In summary, self-concept is the set of characteristics (aesthetic, physical, emotional, etc.) that serve to define the image of oneself. Instead, through self-perception, we define the perception of one’s own mental statesachievable by observing one’s own behaviors, as if one were an external observer, or by introspection.
Main theories of self-perception
The two best-known theories that address the concept of self-perception are Leon Festinger’s cognitive dissonance theory and Daryl J. Bem’s self-perception theory.
Festinger’s cognitive dissonance theory
This theory talks about uncomfortable situations where we feel that we are not being coherent, that is, when we come into conflict with ourselves. Specifically, this perspective looks at the attitudes of durable predispositions, such as ideas, thoughts or beliefs. In this article, you will find more information about t.
Bem’s self-perception theory
Self-perception theory goes one step further than cognitive dissonance theory. According to this conception, By observing what we do we infer what we like and what we think about it. This theory leads to the same predictions of Festinger’s cognitive dissonance theory, but highlights that attitudes are just random statements, products based on the behaviors we have had so far.
What does self-perception consist of? It is the process by which we go from an idea of pleasure, when producing a behavior, to an idea of obligation. For example, I play tennis because I like it, but if I am paid to do it it becomes an obligation and not a passion.
Contrary to the notion that rewards always increase motivation, Bem maintains that Unnecessary rewards can have a hidden cost. Rewarding people for doing what they already do with pleasure may induce them to attribute their action to the reward (), thus weakening the self-perception of doing it for pleasure (). This refers to the effect of excessive justification.
Examples of self-perception
Self-perception theory has had important consequences in marketing and consumer research. For example, the well-known technique foot in the doorin which convincing a client to accept a small request increases the chances that he or she will accept a larger request down the road, has been explained by some researchers as the same process as self-perception.
As the Consumer Research Association (1976) points out, foot in the door is assumed to be effective because people use their behavior as a starting point for their dispositions of aptitude. Since external pressure for initial behavior is assumed to be minimal, people infer a positive attitude from their compliant behavior, which in turn drives the next action.
Another example of self-perception would be when we are not sure if our attitude could offend someone and, through analysis of our behavior, we try to make that other person not feel bad because it is important to our parents. If we achieve our objective, we will have a good self-perception of ourselves, since we have managed to avoid conflict and fulfill our mission.
How to improve self-perception
As we have seen previously, self-perception changes depending on how we behave at any given moment. Next, we will see two ways to improve self-perception:
- Train self-perception without performance anxiety: to train perception, conscious perception is needed, since we cannot assume that it is trained implicitly. To focus on perception, it takes time and a lot of concentration, without distractions. Therefore, exercises should be performed without performance anxiety and without any competitive intention, in order to focus on themselves and not on the results.
- Intense observation: they are particularly indicated to be perceived consciously; They also serve to feel what is pleasant and sharpen the senses. An intensive observation of one’s body’s signals, feelings and thoughts is a prerequisite for empathetic behavior. For those who listen to and appreciate themselves, it is easier to perceive and pay attention to others, their feelings and their demands.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Self-perception: what it is, theories, examples and how to improve itwe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
- Myers, D. G. (2009). Social Psychology. Milan: McGraw-Hill.
- The Decision Lab (2021). Self Perception Theory. Retrieved from: https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/psychology/self-perception-theory/