ABSTRACT

First published in 1982. The problem addressed in this volume is the human pursuit of self-definitions. Self-definitions can vary widely with respect to the context in which they are found, and in regard to who aspires to possess them. Violinist, mother, humanitarian, intellectual, equestrian, and French-speaker are all examples of self-definitions.

part I|47 pages

Extending Lewinian Theory

part II|57 pages

Self-Symbolizing and Social Reality

chapter 4|15 pages

The Necessity of Social Reality

chapter 6|19 pages

The Decay of Interpersonal Relations

part III|57 pages

Various Forms of Self-Symbolizing

chapter 7|15 pages

The Refusal to Admit to Failure

chapter 8|20 pages

The Attempt to Influence Others

chapter 9|20 pages

The Display of Enduring Symbols

part IV|62 pages

Conceptual Issues Underlying the Theory

chapter 10|16 pages

The Community Reacts to Self-Symbolizing

chapter 12|19 pages

The Psychology of Compensation