People and Theories
The Self & Self Esteem
Identity
Eating Disorders
Thought provoking questions
100
Who came up with the term and concept "self esteem" and around what time?
William James. 1900's
100
How do independent vs. interdependent cultures think about the self differently?
Independent: Encouraged to think positively about the self, emphasis on self-reflection, needs of the self are considered first. Interdependent: Encouraged to think about relationships, emphasis on connection to others, needs of the group are considered first.
100
What is identity?
The set of behavioral or personal characteristics by which an individual is recognizable. Importantly, it is also the set of characteristics by which the individual considers him/herself recognizable.
100
Are eating disorders a new problem or is there a historical precedence? Can you give some examples to support your claim?
Historical evidence of eating disorders for hundreds of years: Fasting is tradition in many different world religions, Medieval saints = anorexic girls? Essential behaviors the same, slightly different interpretations of the behaviors through time.
200
Who talked about about having an "identity crisis" and what does this mean?
Erik Erikson. He normalized the idea of having an identity crisis. It came about because of role confusion.
200
What is self esteem and how does it change in adolescence?
Overall sense of worth and well-being. Mostly and "American" phenomenon. Self esteem dips in early adolescence, rises again (and becomes more stable) in late adolescence.
200
Many researchers believe identity problems can cause difficulties in functioning and well-being. What are some reasons this might be the case?
Some parts of identity may be denied, this may explain why adolescents act out. Adolescents are looking to what identities are available/acceptable, it can be a source of serious challenge if not able to reconcile different aspects of ones identity with what's socially available/acceptable.
200
Describe the different types of eating disorders.
Anorexia nervosa: – Refusal to maintain body weight above a minimally normal weight for height and age. – Intense fear of gaining weight, even though underweight. – Disturbed body perception, undue influence of weight or shape on self evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low weight. – In postmenarcheal females, amenorrhea. Bulimia nervosa: – Recurrent episodes of binge eating. – Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain. – Symptoms continuing, on average, at least twice a week for three months. – Undue influence of weight or shape on self-evaluation. Binge-eating disorder – Recurrent episodes without compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain
300
Who talked about the importance of identity formation and what did he/she say?
Erik Erikson (1950's-1980's). He said forming an "identity"-in which the person integrates her past self with her surroundings and ideas of the future-is the "task" of adolescence.
300
What are some downsides of low self esteem?
Low self esteem is associated with a host of problems in functioning (e.g., academics, work), social life (e.g. relationships), and psychological health (e.g., depression, aggression).
300
Which stage of Erickson's Psychosocial stages of development adolescence, what does it entail and how does crisis play a role?
(5th stage) Identity vs. Role confusion. Identity is something to be achieved. Identity development occurs as a result of a crisis. Identity is the final phase in reconciling the younger self before adulthood. This is also thought to happen primarily in cultures in which adolescents have more self-focus time, less in interdependent cultures.
300
Who suffers most from eating disorders (gender, peak age of onset)? And why might this group be particularly vulnerable?
Anorexia: – Over 90% of suffers are female. – Peak age of onset 14-18. – 2 - 14% will die of starvation or suicide. Bulimia: – 3% females develop full syndrome. – Peak age of onset 15-21. Why is it a problem for young women? 1. More common in cultures that emphasize slimness among women. 2. Most common among females in middle-upper SES where culture emphasizes slimness. 3. Most eating disorders occur among females in their teens and early 20’s. 4. Girls who read magazines such as Seventeen are more likely to develop eating problems that initiate disorders.
300
In which area might deficits of development have the greatest impact on promoting eating disorders? Self-harm? Biology: (Puberty, hormones, brain development) Cognition: (Reasoning, social cognition, implicit & explicit) Identity: (Gender, self-esteem, role confusion)
Open question!
400
Who talked about competency domains and what are a few of them?
Susan Harter's (1980's-today) domains are: -scholastic competence, -social acceptance, -athletic competence, -physical appearance, -job competence, -romantic appeal, -behavioral conduct, -close friendship. Only need to perceive competence in a few domains for overall sense of esteem to be healthy.
400
Is self esteem the "cause" of functioning, or the "effect" of competence?
Open for interpretation. It could be a combination of environmental, cognitive and biological factors that influence self esteem. A change in any of these areas could lead to a decrease in self esteem. Usually when self esteem decreases there is something underlying it; low self esteem is the outer manifestation of an underlying problem.
400
What is a newer perspective on identity development (than Erickson's)?
Identity is not "achieved" (as Erickson suggested), it is dynamic and changing. Identity is multifaceted-ethnic, gender, racial, role. Identity is often context-dependent and/or context-specific.
400
What are some social explanations of eating disorders?
Family factors: – “Enmeshed family pattern.” Cultural factors: – Media. – Perceptions of beauty.
400
What are some of the health risks of Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa?
Anorexia: • Cardiac irregularities – Bradycardia – Low blood pressure – Irregular heartbeat • Amenorrhea = fertility risk • Low body temperature • Cold, blue extremities • Calcium loss = risk for osteoporosis • Brittle hair, nails • Stunted growth • Electrolyte imbalances • Growth of lanugo • Organ breakdown Bulimia: • Electrolyte imbalance • Irregular heartbeat • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) • Tooth erosion and decay (hydrochloric acid) • Intestinal disorders • Chronic diarrhea • Kidney damage • Potassium deficiencies • Heart damage
500
Who came up with a theory on identity development and what is that theory?
Jean Phinney's Developmental Stages: -Identity Diffusion: no exploration, no commitment. -Identity Moratorium: exploration, no commitment. -Identity Foreclosure: no exploration, commitment. -Identity Achievement: exploration and commitment.
500
How might the US's emphasis on raising independent adolescents contribute to problems with self esteem?
Open for interpretation, but one possibility is that as they confront new demands-academic, social, no longer feel good about themselves (especially in contrast to parent's thinking so highly of them)-there is a mismatch.
500
What are some important points about ethnic and racial identities, what is ethnic identity "achievement" essential for?
It is a multifaceted, ongoing negotiation. Ethnic identity "achievement" is essential for: psychological health (e.g., self esteem), academic functioning/motivation, resilience (e.g. discrimination).
500
What were some of the findings of the Minnesota Starvation Study (1940’s/50’s)?
36 conscientious objectors: Physically, psychologically healthy. – Control Period (12 weeks). – Semi-starvation diet (24 weeks). – Restricted rehabilitation (12 weeks). – Non-restricted rehabilitation (8 weeks). Results, even after follow-up: • Abnormal eating habits – Hoarding behavior. • Food obsessions. • Decreased sexual interest. • Social withdrawal and isolation. • Psychopathology, esp. depression – Self-mutilation. • Binge-eating. What does this mean? • Self-reinforcing: starvation depression, food obsessions starvation. • Changes in brain chemistry.
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