key term - Idealized Self-Image

Definition

The idealized self-image refers to the mental picture or vision an individual has of themselves that is often more positive, successful, or desirable than their actual self. This concept is closely tied to the theories and perspectives of the Neo-Freudian psychologists, including Adler, Erikson, Jung, and Horney.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The idealized self-image is often shaped by societal and cultural expectations, as well as personal experiences and desires.
2. Adler's concept of the 'fictional final goal' is closely related to the idealized self-image, where individuals strive to achieve a perfect or superior version of themselves.
3. Erikson's stage of identity formation involves the development of a coherent sense of self, which can lead to the formation of an idealized self-image.
4. Jung's notion of the 'persona' is the public face or image an individual presents to the world, which may differ from their true or idealized self.
5. Horney's theory of the 'real self' and 'ideal self' highlights the discrepancy between an individual's actual self and their idealized self-image.

Review Questions

• Explain how the idealized self-image is connected to Adler's concept of the 'fictional final goal'.
  • Adler's concept of the 'fictional final goal' is closely related to the idealized self-image. According to Adler, individuals strive to achieve a perfect or superior version of themselves, which serves as a guiding vision or goal. This idealized self-image motivates the individual to overcome perceived weaknesses or inferiorities and to develop compensatory behaviors or strategies to attain this idealized state. The idealized self-image, much like the fictional final goal, is often shaped by societal and cultural expectations, as well as personal experiences and desires.
• Describe how the development of the idealized self-image is influenced by Erikson's stage of identity formation.
  • Erikson's stage of identity formation is a critical period in an individual's life where they strive to develop a coherent sense of self. During this stage, the individual may construct an idealized self-image that represents their desired or perceived perfect self. This idealized self-image is often shaped by societal and cultural norms, as well as personal experiences and aspirations. The discrepancy between the individual's actual self and their idealized self-image can lead to feelings of inadequacy or a need to compensate, which are central to the theories of the Neo-Freudian psychologists.
• Analyze how the idealized self-image relates to Jung's concept of the 'persona' and Horney's theory of the 'real self' and 'ideal self'.
  • The idealized self-image is closely connected to Jung's concept of the 'persona' and Horney's theory of the 'real self' and 'ideal self'. Jung's persona represents the public face or image an individual presents to the world, which may differ from their true or idealized self. Similarly, Horney's theory highlights the discrepancy between an individual's actual or 'real self' and their 'ideal self' - the image of the perfect or superior version of themselves that they strive to achieve. The idealized self-image is often shaped by societal and cultural expectations, as well as personal experiences and desires, leading to a gap between the individual's actual self and their perceived or desired self. This discrepancy can drive the individual to engage in compensatory behaviors or strategies in an attempt to bridge the gap and attain their idealized self-image.

Related terms

Self-Concept:

An individual's perception and understanding of their own unique characteristics, qualities, and abilities.

Ego Ideal: The image of the perfect self that an individual strives to achieve, often shaped by societal and cultural norms.

Compensation: A defense mechanism where an individual tries to overcome a perceived weakness or inferiority by developing an idealized self-image.