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The Social Self

How self-knowledge influences interactions and perceptions

Personality
Aurora Aftermath: Trying to Understand Dastardly Acts

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on July 23, 2012

Last week's shootings in Aurora have people asking "Why?" Although normal, this can be futile because people try to restore control to a chaotic world and focus on what makes a person "evil." Knee-jerk responses can result from "asking the why question," resulting in bad policy decisions that reflect impetuous responses to horrible human tragedies.

Last week's shootings in Aurora have people asking "Why?" Although normal, this can be futile because people try to restore control to a chaotic world and focus on what makes a person "evil." Knee-jerk responses can result from "asking the why question," resulting in bad policy decisions that reflect impetuous responses to horrible human tragedies.

Memory
What Exactly Is the Self? Insights from Neuroscience

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on January 23, 2012

What is the self? Although my stock answer to this question of "the self is memory" may be correct, recent neuroscience evidence suggests that our self-concept is the product of multiple, complex memory systems. Evidence from patients ranging from amnesiacs to those suffering from Alzheimer's dementia is shedding new, important light on this age-old question.

What is the self? Although my stock answer to this question of "the self is memory" may be correct, recent neuroscience evidence suggests that our self-concept is the product of multiple, complex memory systems. Evidence from patients ranging from amnesiacs to those suffering from Alzheimer's dementia is shedding new, important light on this age-old question.

Sex
Paterno Surprise Reflects Ignoring the Power of the Situation

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on November 10, 2011

How could Joe Paterno, viewed as one of the few shining examples of a man who "did things right" get it so wrong and not respond better to sexual assault allegations by his own assistant coach? Repeatedly, social psychology has shown the importance of the power of the situation. In short, good people can do bad things when placed in particular circumstances.

How could Joe Paterno, viewed as one of the few shining examples of a man who "did things right" get it so wrong and not respond better to sexual assault allegations by his own assistant coach? Repeatedly, social psychology has shown the importance of the power of the situation. In short, good people can do bad things when placed in particular circumstances.

Health
Steve Jobs's Success: Not Just Technological, but Psychological

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on August 25, 2011

The resignation of Apple CEO Steve Jobs provides an opportunity to reflect on the psychology underlying his success. During a speech at Stanford, Jobs demonstrated a clear and compelling understanding of human nature and how to live life. We all may not be able to be billionaires who change the world, but we can take stock in the lessons learned by those who are.

The resignation of Apple CEO Steve Jobs provides an opportunity to reflect on the psychology underlying his success. During a speech at Stanford, Jobs demonstrated a clear and compelling understanding of human nature and how to live life. We all may not be able to be billionaires who change the world, but we can take stock in the lessons learned by those who are.

Relationships
Royal Wedding: A story about ourselves as well as love

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on April 27, 2011

With the Royal Wedding between William and Kate later this week, many people have become enthralled with soaking up every piece of news about the nuptials and purchasing official Royal Wedding Memorabilia. As a social psychologist and someone who does not spend my free time reading checkout-line tabloids, I find myself asking "Why?"

With the Royal Wedding between William and Kate later this week, many people have become enthralled with soaking up every piece of news about the nuptials and purchasing official Royal Wedding Memorabilia. As a social psychologist and someone who does not spend my free time reading checkout-line tabloids, I find myself asking "Why?"

Relationships
Romantic promise or problems? Clues from ourselves and others

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on February 11, 2011

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, people are interested in love and its assessment. What indicators in ourselves and others provide insight into issues ranging from "is my infatuation really into me?" to "should I dump this person?" Here are four phenomena that provide insights about how to identify promise or problems in our love lives.

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, people are interested in love and its assessment. What indicators in ourselves and others provide insight into issues ranging from "is my infatuation really into me?" to "should I dump this person?" Here are four phenomena that provide insights about how to identify promise or problems in our love lives.

Affective Forecasting
Post-election depression or elation? Don't get too distraught or jubilant!

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on November 4, 2010

Tuesday's midterm elections triggered a seismic shift not only in Congress but in the emotions of so many voters throughout the country as well. However, the forecasts of protracted "doom and gloom" among Democrats or "happy days are here again" among Republicans are probably too strong.

Tuesday's midterm elections triggered a seismic shift not only in Congress but in the emotions of so many voters throughout the country as well. However, the forecasts of protracted "doom and gloom" among Democrats or "happy days are here again" among Republicans are probably too strong.

Motivation
Reflection critical for self-improvement

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on September 18, 2010

As Jews throughout the world observe Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, it is notable that many other traditions emphasize the important function of self-reflection. People involved in other traditions, such as those involved in 12-step programs at Alcoholics Anonymous or Buddhists who engage in meditation, also understand what psychological research has established: change requires self-awareness.

As Jews throughout the world observe Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, it is notable that many other traditions emphasize the important function of self-reflection. People involved in other traditions, such as those involved in 12-step programs at Alcoholics Anonymous or Buddhists who engage in meditation, also understand what psychological research has established: change requires self-awareness.

Anger
The King made The Decision: Let The Hating begin

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on July 9, 2010

Once viewed with considerable admiration by a region and even by many professional basketball fans in opposing cities, LeBron James may soon discover a world not full of love. Indeed, psychological principles suggest that "LeBron Hating" may not only become a new sport in Northeast Ohio (certainly to be expected), but perhaps across the entire nation.

Once viewed with considerable admiration by a region and even by many professional basketball fans in opposing cities, LeBron James may soon discover a world not full of love. Indeed, psychological principles suggest that "LeBron Hating" may not only become a new sport in Northeast Ohio (certainly to be expected), but perhaps across the entire nation.

Sport and Competition
LeBron Mania Fueled by Self-ish Concerns

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on June 14, 2010

With the National Basketball Association Finals in the limelight, the other intriguing NBA story has been "Will LeBron James leave the Cleveland Cavaliers?" Recently, I considered the social psychological features of why LeBron's decision is so powerful. Interestingly, this analysis implicated "the self" quite heavily.

With the National Basketball Association Finals in the limelight, the other intriguing NBA story has been "Will LeBron James leave the Cleveland Cavaliers?" Recently, I considered the social psychological features of why LeBron's decision is so powerful. Interestingly, this analysis implicated "the self" quite heavily.

Happiness
Olympic Happiness: Better to win Bronze than Silver Medals?

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on February 25, 2010

Much of the world's attention is glued to the Olympic games in Canada this month. Invariably, every event ends with a clock or judges' score determining who makes a trip to the podium for the playing of a national anthem. Yet often, it seems the bronze medal winner is happier than the silver medalist. Why might the 3rd place contestant be happier than someone who objectively did better? Psychological processes involving the self and how we think about the causes of our circumstances can help to explain this interesting effect.

Much of the world's attention is glued to the Olympic games in Canada this month. Invariably, every event ends with a clock or judges' score determining who makes a trip to the podium for the playing of a national anthem. Yet often, it seems the bronze medal winner is happier than the silver medalist. Why might the 3rd place contestant be happier than someone who objectively did better? Psychological processes involving the self and how we think about the causes of our circumstances can help to explain this interesting effect.

Alcoholism
Harness Yourself to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on December 31, 2009

January 1st typically brings a number of requisite events, including hangovers, football bowl games, and new year's resolutions. And every year, people with the very best of intentions plan to exercise more, quit smoking, save money, and lose weight. Unfortunately, most fall short. Yet, despair not. 

January 1st typically brings a number of requisite events, including hangovers, football bowl games, and new year's resolutions. And every year, people with the very best of intentions plan to exercise more, quit smoking, save money, and lose weight. Unfortunately, most fall short. Yet, despair not. 

President Donald Trump
Managing stress during the holidays: Psychologist, heal thyself

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on November 25, 2009

I found myself stressed, increasingly irritable, and becoming more and more unhappy as my life felt like a rickety wagon being held together by duct tape stretched to the breaking point. How did things get so crazy? Suddenly, I accepted the call of "psychologist, heal thyself."

I found myself stressed, increasingly irritable, and becoming more and more unhappy as my life felt like a rickety wagon being held together by duct tape stretched to the breaking point. How did things get so crazy? Suddenly, I accepted the call of "psychologist, heal thyself."

Self-Esteem
Sportsfans seek self-esteem

Allen R McConnell Ph.D. on September 14, 2009

This weekend saw football move into high gear, as the NFL regular season began and several big college games took place. As fans don their favorite team's uniforms, paint their faces, and affix team flags to houses and cars alike, it's a good time to ask "Why do people do these things?"

This weekend saw football move into high gear, as the NFL regular season began and several big college games took place. As fans don their favorite team's uniforms, paint their faces, and affix team flags to houses and cars alike, it's a good time to ask "Why do people do these things?"