Assignment:

Theories of Self-Concept Maintenance

Researchers have examined several ways in which individuals actively maintain their sense of self in what can collectively be termed "self-concept maintenance" (Crisp and Turner, 2010, p. 10). Theories pertinent to self-concept maintenance include the control theory of self-regulation, self-discrepancy theory, social comparison theory, self-evaluation maintenance, social identity theory, and self-categorization theory. These theories share the assumption that individuals learn about themselves and their environment through self-comparison. People need to compare themselves with others in order to both know and evaluate their self and understand that these comparisons have a significant impact on individual behavior.

For this Assignment, review this week's media program, Week 2: The Virtual Office, and evaluate the behavior of the women in the animation to determine which women exhibit narcissistic personality style and which women exhibit positive self-esteem.

Media link: http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/PSYC/8247/CH/mm/virtual_office/week2.html

The Assignment (3-5 pages)

· Select and describe one of the women in the media program exhibiting either positive self-esteem or narcissism.

· Compare the similarities and the differences of three theories of self-concept maintenance.

· Explain how each theory explains the behavior of the woman in the media program.

· Explain any insights you had or conclusions you drew based on your comparison.

· Be specific and use the Learning Resources uploaded below and the current literature to support your response.

Learning Resources

· Fein, S., & Spencer, S. J. (1997). Prejudice as self-image maintenance: Affirming the self through derogating others. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73 (1), 31-44. (See attachment below)

· Nicholls, E., & Stukas, A. A. (2011). Narcissism and the self-evaluation maintenance model: Effects of social comparison threats on relationship closeness. Journal of Social Psychology, 151 (2), 201-212. (See attachment below)

· National Association for Self-Esteem. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2011, from http://www.self-esteem-nase.org/

· Social Psychology Network. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2011, from http://www.socialpsychology.org/