Lesson 2: Psychology of the Self

Psychologist Albert Bandura proposed that the self develops through a triadic interaction of Person, Behavior, and Environment. This means your personal traits (P), your actions (B), and the environment (E) all influence each other in a loop. For example, your interest in coding (person) may lead you to join a school programming club (behavior), which places you among tech-savvy friends (environment). Those friends then inspire you to learn more coding (back to person).

Key idea: Reciprocal determinism. You're not a passive product of your environment; you also choose and change it. A supportive environment (like a positive family or school) can build self-confidence, while your own choices can shape your environment. Understanding this helps you see that self is partly shaped by surroundings but also by your actions.

Psychology suggests the self changes over life stages. For example:

• Erikson's stages: In adolescence, the major task is identity vs. role confusion. Teenagers try different roles (cliques, hobbies) to find who they are. Success leads to a strong identity; confusion leads to uncertainty about themselves. A Filipino example: A teenager might balance being filial to family vs. pursuing a dream career. Navigating this helps form their self-concept.
• Childhood: Early experiences (being praised or scolded) shape basic self-esteem. If a child is encouraged ("You can do it!"), they build confidence.
• Adulthood: Self continues evolving with career, relationships, parenthood.

Also consider Maslow's hierarchy. When basic needs (food, safety) are met, people can pursue self-esteem and self-actualization (fulfilling potential). If you have a stable life (like many Filipino families value), you can focus on personal growth.