Chapter 8 Topics for Discussion

Think of five or six different interpersonal situations in which there are clear role requirements: teacher, student, doctor, patient, and so on. Now think of several real people you know who play those roles. Draw distinctions between those communication behaviors, rules, and obligations that are role-related and those that emanate from the self-concepts of the individuals involved. What potential advantages or disadvantages occur when people add self-expression to their social roles?
Which of the five perspectives on self-identity (self as narrative, as cognitive schema, as behavioral routines, as relational routines, or as internal dialogue) make the most sense to you? Take one aspect of your self-identity (e.g., your generosity) and think of ways that each perspective helps you understand that aspect of yourself. What role does it play in your self-talk? In the story of your life? In your behavioral routines? In different relationships?
Self-perception theory suggests that we often behave first and then decide what kind of person we must be, based on observations of our own behavior. Can you think of examples of this happening to you? Have you ever pointed out behaviors to a friend that led him or her to revise a self-concept? In what ways do we block our perceptions of our own behavior in order to protect a self-concept?
Do you agree or disagree with the statement that we do not have one "real" self, but many selves? What do you think are the strongest arguments for your point of view? How would you convince someone who help the opposite point of view?
Talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each of the three types of communicators: Noble Self, Rhetorical Reflector, and Rhetorical Sensitive. Are people really distinct types or are there some aspects of self that we try to maintain consistently (Noble Self)? When would the Rhetorical Reflector be a positive and healthy self-concept.