COMM 200 Week 1 Discussion 1
Prepare: To prepare for this discussion you must do the following:
Review Chapter 2 in your text. Focus on the segments of the chapter on self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem.
Carefully read the discussion instructions and note that you must not only define these three terms, but you must also relate them to communication. You are also required to think through your own self-concept, self-esteem, or self-image and how it has both been shaped by previous communication and shapes your future communication.
Review the grading rubric and note that 30% of your grade is based on your application of course material (General Content/Subject Knowledge) and 30% is based on your ability to demonstrate you are thinking critically and presenting original ideas.
Reflect Icon
Reflect: Take time to reflect on how your self-concept, self-image, or self-esteem have affected the way you communicate with others and how feedback from others has shaped how you conceptualize who you are. Think about both intrapersonal and interpersonal communication.
Write Icon
Write: Based on the information in Bevan and Sole (2014) in Chapter 2,
Define self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem and relate each to interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. Write at least two sentences analyzing each term.
Provide an example of how your self-concept, self-image, or self-esteem has affected your interpersonal communication and how interpersonal communication has shaped your ideas of self.
Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
How does your example illustrate the relationship between psychology and communication?
Thoroughly address all three elements of this prompt. Consider copying and pasting these tasks into a word file and addressing each of them separately.
Your initial response should be 200 to 300 words in length and is due by Thursday, Day 3.
Sample Answer
Define self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem and relate each to interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. Write at least two sentences analyzing each term.
The text by Bevan & Sole (2014) describes self-concept as a representation of oneself based on their feelings and beliefs. The book goes ahead by arguing that self-concept can learned, organized, and can change over time. Self-concept builds one’s character and attitude, which are portrayed during interpersonal communication. Self-concept brings the individuals’ ability to evaluate themselves and assess their strengths, which are vital in shaping their intrapersonal communication.
Self-image is the perception one based on their body capability, feelings, and appearance (Bevan & Sole, 2014). It is a broad view of oneself that is shaped by individuals dominating characteristics. Individuals possess different self-images depending on their current or future roles, which determines their intrapersonal communication. Individuals with strong abilities and excellent appearances are likely to have amazing interpersonal communication compared to individuals who feel they are inferior.
Self-esteem is a sense of worth one has and is mainly closely associated with the level of satisfaction individuals have with themselves (Bevan & Sole, 2014). Self-esteem shapes how people communicate, with the ones with high self-esteem having confidence while talking. Self-esteem is a crucial determinant of interpersonal communication since it influences how individuals represent themselves, including the style of communication they use. Self-esteem is also characterized by self-talk and creativity that determines the effectiveness of intrapersonal communication.
Provide an example of how your self-concept, self-image, or self-esteem has affected your interpersonal communication and how interpersonal communication has shaped your ideas of self. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
Self-concept, self-image, and self-self-esteem are important personal traits, which shape our daily communications. I will focus on self-concept and describe how it has shaped my perception and attitude. For example, I see myself as a shy and reticent person, and as such, I am unlikely to start conversation while with my peers or in a company of stranger. Even when my companion initiates a conversation, I usually talk less. I can, therefore, say I see myself as a lonely person and who likes to spend time alone, and who is lonelier while in the park or traveling in a train than when alone.
How does your example illustrate the relationship between psychology and communication?
Based on my example above, it is apparent that a huge percentage of our communication is shaped by attitude, perception, and behavior which are psychological in nature. The individual psychological status, therefore, affects both interpersonal and intrapersonal interactions either positively or negatively.
References
Bevan, J. L., & Sole, K. (2014). Making connections: Understanding interpersonal communication (2nd ed.) [Electronic version]. Retrieved from: https://content.ashford.edu/
