Chapter 2 discusses an important concept of the self and how it’s developed. The second stage that is discussed in developing self-image is reflected appraisal. Reflected Appraisal happens when a parent or authority figure gives a child positive feedback for an accomplishment, act, etc. One example from the book describes an event where when a child willing cleans around the house, a parent would give out a compliment, “You’re being a great helper for cleaning up the house”. Comments such as that reinforce the praised action to the child.
Personally, I have a lot of experience of reflected appraisal. As a martial arts instructor, sometimes scolding a student isn’t the best way of correcting his or her behavior. One tactic I have found to be very successful is to constantly praise other students on the desired action I wish the misbehaving student to do. The misbehaving student mostly craves attention and by with holding attention to them and giving it to other students, the process forces them to act the way I want. Once their behavior is fixed, I praise them and reinforce their positive behavior.
What experiences have you had with reflected appraisal?
_jossshhuaa
Hi Jossshhuaa,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your post. I found your example of being a martial arts instructor enlightening. I personally don't plan on having children as the world is already over populated. I do remember from my childhood that I loved to clean and my mother would always praise me for it. I thought it was because my older sister never cleaned. In reflecting back on my childhood my mother always praised us for our accomplishments. She didn't really scold us if we did something wrong instead she would say "I know you could do better" or "do you really think that was the best way to handle that". She always made us think about our "bad" actions without punishing for the most part.
I do still enjoy cleaning. In fact when I get stressed over classes I clean. I have even gone and cleaned my friends dorm rooms when I got stressed at finals time. Reflective appraisal does have a positive effect on developing an individual's self-image.
Thanks for sharing your views,
Katrina