Self-perception and self-knowledge

Abstract

Argues that 2 basic modes of self-perception, termed the ecological and the interpersonal, precede mirror image awareness of self. An ecological analysis of perception is presented based on J. J. Gibson's (1979) work on visual perception. The ecological self is an active agent in the physical environment, whereas the interpersonal self is an active agent in an ongoing social exchange. Differences in the emotional accompaniments of these 2 kinds of self-knowledge are discussed. The self-concept (or conceptual self) includes beliefs about one's roles, attributes, inner essence, and worth and value, none of which are based on direct perceptions. Self-concepts are learned in early childhood, and self-narratives still later, after the ecological and interpersonal selves are already firmly in place. Parallels between the author's ecological–interpersonal distinction and M. Buber's (1923 [1955]) I–It and I–Thou relationships are noted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)