Reflected Appraisal: The Power of Others' Perceptions

Have You Ever Thought About How Others' Opinions Shape Your Self-Image?

Have you ever wondered how what people think about you affects how you see yourself? It’s a fascinating topic, and it’s got a fancy name in psychology: reflected appraisal. This idea explores how the way others perceive us can shape our self-concept. Let's dive into this concept and find out why it matters so much for our identities. We’ll check out some research and real-life examples to see just how strong this influence can be on our self-worth, actions, and relationships.

Reflected Appraisal: The Power of What Others See

Reflected appraisal is all about forming a sense of who we are based on feedback from others (Feeney, 1999). Basically, people around us act like mirrors, showing us an image of ourselves through their opinions and reactions. Imagine a kid getting praised for being good at drawing. They might start thinking they're pretty talented with art. But if someone keeps getting negative comments, they might struggle with self-esteem and doubt themselves.

You can see reflected appraisal happening everywhere—at home, school, work, or even online. In these places, the feedback we get helps build up our self-concept. Like when a student gets straight A's all the time, they might start seeing themselves as smart. But if someone is constantly picked on for how they look, they might end up having body image issues.

The Upside of Positive Reflected Appraisal

Positive reflected appraisal can be super uplifting. When folks hear praise or feel recognized by others, it boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to grow (Buckingham et al., 2018). Take a teacher who acknowledges a student's hard work—that kind of encouragement can really change how that student views themselves and push them to keep doing well.

And it's not just personal—it spreads outwards too. Research shows that those who get positive feedback often tend to act more kindly toward others. If people are regularly told they’re compassionate or empathetic, they’re likely to show those traits in their interactions. It creates this domino effect of positive behavior.

The Downside: Negative Reflected Appraisal

But here’s the flip side: negative reflected appraisal can be harmful. Constant criticism or rejection from others can lead to a negative self-image (Sowislo & Orth, 2013). Think about bullying—if someone's always bullied, they might start feeling worthless or isolated.

This negativity doesn’t just mess with self-perception; it can alter behavior too. People who frequently face negative feedback are often more prone to destructive behaviors like substance abuse or even self-harm because they're trying to cope with the hurt from these negative reflections.

The Role of Self-Evaluation

It’s worth noting that while reflected appraisal depends on what others think, there's also something called self-evaluation that plays into it. This involves looking at your own thoughts and feelings compared to societal norms (Leary & Baumeister, 2000). It’s like an internal balance that helps moderate outside feedback.

For example, if someone gets negative comments about their looks but holds strong beliefs about their own beauty regardless of societal standards, then the impact of those comments might be lessened. On the other hand, if someone has low self-esteem and craves validation from others all the time—even small remarks can deeply affect them.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, reflected appraisal has a major role in shaping who we think we are and how we act with others. Getting positive feedback can boost confidence and encourage growth while negative appraisals may lead to low esteem or bad behaviors. Understanding this concept is key—we need to create supportive environments where everyone feels valued and empowered.

• Buckingham et al., (2018)
• Feeney, B.C., (1999)
• Sowislo & Orth (2013)
• Leary & Baumeister (2000)