A successful business owner has a motor vehicle collision, leaving him paralyzed and in a wheelchair. He perceives that his colleagues and clients begin to treat him as though he is less capable. He starts to doubt his ability to successfully run his business. This reaction is best explained by which of the following?

Question

A successful business owner has a motor vehicle collision, leaving him paralyzed and in a wheelchair.  He perceives that his colleagues and clients begin to treat him as though he is less capable.  He starts to doubt his ability to successfully run his business.  This reaction is best explained by which of the following?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecba2d_0d75_a087_a3bf_01e2ce151943_MD0008_00 The looking-glass self is a symbolic interactionist concept that suggests that our interpretation of how we are perceived by others impacts our self-concept (beliefs about ourselves). In addition, our interpretation of what others think about us is more important than what they actually think. For example, a coach may provide feedback to the most talented player, but that player may interpret (and then internalize) this as an indication that the coach doesn't think she is very good. The concept of the looking-glass self best explains the business owner's shift in self-concept (ie, doubting his ability to run his business) as a result of his interpretation of the perceptions of others after his accident. (Choice A) Strain theory suggests that when individuals are unable to attain socially acceptable goals (eg, having a nice car) through legitimate means (eg, a job), the resulting strain may lead to deviant behavior (eg, stealing). Strain theory does not address how self-concept is shaped by the interpretations of others' perceptions. (Choice C) The dramaturgical approach explains behavior using a theater metaphor: How we behave in front of others (the "audience") is a "performance" meant to manage their impression of us. The dramaturgical approach does not address an individual's interpretation and internalization of others' perceptions. (Choice D) Psychosexual theory of development states that personality develops through five psychosexual stages that begin in childhood; conflict in any of these stages can lead to psychological issues (eg, anxiety) in adulthood. The impact of interpreting others' perceptions on self-concept is not explored in this theory. Educational objective: The concept of the looking-glass self is part of the symbolic interactionism perspective and states that an individual's self-concept is shaped by that person's interpretation of others' perceptions, regardless of the accuracy of those interpretations.

A Successful Business Owner Has a Motor Vehicle Collision, Leaving