The Self in Social Psychology and Implications for...

Various concepts of the self are present in many social psychological topics. Research studies related to self-identity, self-concept, self-esteem and other core social constructs regarding self are abundant, and there is plenty of evidence suggesting the self can be described and compared to a plethora of social motives that are researched and reviewed throughout social psychology. However, for counseling psychologists, how do we make sense and make use of the phenomena learned through social psychological research to help our work in the practice of counseling? It is important to take what the field of psychology has learned from science and apply it to psychological practice in order to make full use of the quality of information†¦show more content†¦Much of what research exists today concerning the self in social psychology has contributed to the vast knowledge of the psychological practice of individual counseling. Psychological Health and the Self Many topics could be discussed and described to fully explain the core social motives of the concept of self, and there would not be a lack of literature to provide detail and sufficient evidence for this type of review. However, for purposes of this paper, what will be presented will include the most important aspects of the self in social psychology as it relates to counseling practice, clinical implications, and therapeutic knowledge for purposes of helping inform the work with individual counseling clients. Schlegel and Hicks (2011) argue that meaning and life satisfaction are related to the ability to access and think about one’s true self-concept. The authors further contend that the construct of the true self includes a set of characteristics that individuals become aware of to be able to live happy lives (2011). Helping clients with the accessibility of exploring the self, and then examining the self through a therapeutic lens, could arguably be the primary goal for c ounseling. Further, Sedikides and Skowronski (1995) found that people have reported that knowledge of one’s self can be deducted through self-reflection,Show MoreRelatedThe Macrosystem: From Child to Adult Essay1384 Words   |  6 Pagesmental health counseling. The foundational areas are the development across the lifespan, ecological theory, mental health, and mental health promotion. These together form a unique base from which mental health and community counselors practice. This is referred to as,† The comprehensive mental health counseling model, a comprehensive model.† The model places the dimensions of mental illness and mental health/wellness with and ecological context. 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