Self and Identity

Work on self and identity has a special place in the study of human nature, as self-concerns are arguably at the center of individuals" striving for well-being and for making sense of one"s life. Life goals develop and are influenced by one"s view of what one is like, the way one would ideally like to be (or would like to avoid being), as well as one"s perceptions of what is feasible. Furthermore, conceptions of self and the world affect how one"s progress towards these goals is monitored, evaluated, redirected, re-evaluated, and pursued again. Thus, the “self” as a construct has far-reaching implications for behavior, self-esteem, motivation, experience of emotions and the world more broadly, and hence for interpersonal relationships, society, and culture.