The Self: Definitional and Methodological Issues (SUNY Series, Studying the Self) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0791409880 ISBN 13: 9780791409886

Publisher: State University of New York Press, 1992

Synopsis

What are the characteristics and dimensions of the self? Is there a “best” way to measure the self? How does the researcher’s definition of the self affect the choice of research measure and methods? These are the questions addressed by this book.

Unlike previous books on the self, this one provides a systematic analysis of the theoretical and methodological issues involved. It offers a description of several alternative methods for studying the self, and discussions of the advantages and disadvantages of these different approaches. Emphasized here are the phenomenological and experiential nature of the self, its multidimensionality and hierarchical structure, and the relationship between defining and measuring the self. Among the methodological issues addressed are the impact of significant others on the self, the factors that affect the process of reporting about the self, between-group comparison of self-structure, the structure of the self in relationship to others, and the effects of differing cultural contexts.

About this title

About the Author

Thomas M. Brinthaupt is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Richard P. Lipka is Professor and Director of the Center for Educational Service, Evaluation, and Research at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. They are coeditors of Self-Perspectives across the Life Span, also published by SUNY Press.

Review

“This book is unique in that it pulls together writings on the theoretical, methodological, and developmental issues involved in the study of the self. One of the key indicators of healthy functioning in human development is a strong self-concept. The life span orientation of the book makes it even more significant to the fields of human development and psychology.” ― Jacqueline V. Lerner, Penn State University

About this edition

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0791409880
• ISBN 13: 9780791409886
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 366
• Editor: Brinthaupt Thomas M.