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Related Concept Videos

Self-Schemas02:16

Self-Schemas

In general, a schema is a mental construct consisting of a cluster or collection of related concepts (Bartlett, 1932). There are many different types of schemata, and they all have one thing in common: schemata are a method of organizing information that allows the brain to work more efficiently. When a schema is activated, the brain makes immediate assumptions about the person or object being observed.
Understanding the Self01:28

Understanding the Self

The self is a central aspect of human identity, encompassing an individual’s beliefs, emotions, perceptions, and experiences. It is a cognitive and psychological construct that enables individuals to interpret their traits and behaviors, influencing how they perceive themselves and interact with the world. While personality consists of stable and enduring characteristics, the self is shaped by self-perception and social experiences. This distinction highlights the dynamic nature of the self,...
Self-Discrepancy Theory02:45

Self-Discrepancy Theory

One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
Understanding Self-Concept01:20

Understanding Self-Concept

The self-concept encompasses individuals' beliefs about themselves, structured through cognitive frameworks known as self-schemas. These schemas function as mental representations of specific traits or behaviors, influencing how self-relevant information is perceived, processed, and remembered. For example, individuals who are schematic for body weight are more likely to interpret routine experiences—such as dining out or shopping—through the lens of that trait. Conversely, those aschematic for...
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping02:05

Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping

People can go to great lengths to protect their self-image and present themselves in ways that they want others to see them. Sociologist Erving Goffman presented the idea that a person is like an actor on a stage. Calling his theory dramaturgy, Goffman believed that we use “impression management” to present ourselves to others as we hope to be perceived. Each situation is a new scene, and individuals perform different roles depending on who is present (Goffman, 1959). Think about the way you...
Introspection01:29

Introspection

Introspection, long upheld as a reliable route to self-knowledge, involves examining one's thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. It underpins many psychological practices, from mindfulness meditation to psychotherapy and self-help strategies. However, empirical evidence challenges the accuracy of introspection as a means of understanding oneself.Limitations of Introspective InsightSeminal work by Nisbett and Wilson demonstrated that individuals are frequently unaware of the true causes...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Driving Simulation in the Clinic: Testing Visual Exploratory Behavior in Daily Life Activities in Patients with Visual Field Defects
11:12

Driving Simulation in the Clinic: Testing Visual Exploratory Behavior in Daily Life Activities in Patients with Visual Field Defects

Published on: September 18, 2012

Does the self drive mental time travel?

Yi Shao1, Xiang Yao, Stephen J Ceci

  • 1Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4401, USA. ys249@cornell.edu

Memory (Hove, England)
|October 7, 2010
PubMed
Summary

The self, not past events, shapes future thinking. Our study shows future selves and events are more positive and socially focused than past ones, regardless of culture or gender.

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Cross-Cultural Psychology
  • Social Psychology

Background:

  • Autobiographical memory research highlights the self-memory connection.
  • The self's role in future anticipation remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the self's influence on future event anticipation.
  • To examine cultural and gender differences in self-perception across time.

Main Methods:

  • European American and Chinese college students described past/future events and self-perceptions.
  • Content analysis was used to analyze event valence and personal focus.

Main Results:

  • Future selves and events were more positive and socially oriented than past ones, across cultures.

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Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children

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Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Driving Simulation in the Clinic: Testing Visual Exploratory Behavior in Daily Life Activities in Patients with Visual Field Defects
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Published on: September 18, 2012

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  • European Americans reported more positive self-descriptions than Chinese students.
  • Men exhibited a more personal focus than women across all time periods.
  • The self, independent of past events, predicted future event valence and personal focus.

    • Conclusions:

    • The self dynamically influences future thinking, irrespective of cultural or gender variations.
    • Findings advance understanding of the interplay between self-concept and episodic future thinking.