One of the key concepts in sociology is the social self, which refers to the way a person perceives themselves in the context of interaction with other people. Communication with an individual is only as effective as their overview of themselves. Therefore, in order to build meaningful connections and help other people, it is essential to work with the social self. A literature review will provide insight into the existing knowledge of how people form their self-image.
The reason behind conducting the review lies in the necessity to outline evidence-based interventions aimed at helping people overcome their social anxieties. The underlying assumption that will direct the exploration of the literature is that mental health is the responsibility of people rather than institutions (Masterton et al., 2020). Therefore, this paper will analyze the literature that will focus on how to influence people to help change their social self.
In order to properly comprehend the processes of formation of the social self, it is essential to gain exposure to older sociological sources and compare them to modern scientific opinions. For instance, Botto and Rochat (2019) reference “The presentation of self in everyday life” by Erving Goffman – a classic study of individual presentation – and elaborate on the newer research explaining different tactics people use to influence their social self. By organizing the review in such a sequence, it is possible to ascertain how scientific opinion has changed over time.
This review will include literature studying people struggling with depression and stress. Another important criterion of inclusion is the sources’ ability to explain how social self is formed by one’s social identity and self-concept. After all, each person is heavily influenced by the group they are part of and their role in it (Silvestri et al., 2018). Such an approach provides context because interactions with other people are essential for the formation of one’s social self.
Overall, the literature review will ascertain the most appropriate means of communicating and providing therapeutic assistance to people whose social self is influenced by depression and anxiety. Any exploration of social identities is complex because the subject matter is subjective experiences. Therefore, it is important to amass as much information on evidence-based practice as possible to provide a decent scientific foundation behind all subsequent mental health interventions.
References
Botto, S. V., & Rochat, P. (2019). Evaluative audience perception (EAP): How children come to care about reputation. Child Development Perspectives, 13(3), 180-185. Web.
Masterton, W., Carver, H., Parkes, T., & Park, K. (2020). Greenspace interventions for mental health in clinical and non-clinical populations: What works, for whom, and in what circumstances? Health & Place, 64, 1-19. Web.
Silvestri, P. R., Baglioni, V., Cardona, F., & Cavanna, A. E. (2018). Self-concept and self-esteem in patients with chronic tic disorders: A systematic literature review. European journal of paediatric neurology, 22(5), 749-756. Web.