Perception of Self in Emotional Disorder and Psychotherapy

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xvii

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2. Theoretical Perspectives

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-3

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   2. Self and the Control of Behavior

      • Charles S. Carver, Michael F. Scheier

      Pages 5-35

   3. Perceiving the Self as an Effective Agent

      • Herbert M. Lefcourt

      Pages 37-49

   4. A Neuropsychodynamic Perspective on the Self

      • Harold A. Sackeim

      Pages 51-83

   5. Looking for Introspection; Self-Consciousness, Self-Awareness, and Emotionality

      • David Bromberg, Lorne M. Hartman

      Pages 85-108

3. Clinical Applications

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 109-111

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   2. Shyness and Self-Concept

      • Jonathan M. Cheek, Lisa A. Melchior, Andrea M. Carpentieri

      Pages 113-131

   3. Self-Concept Deficiencies in Eating Disorders

      • David M. Garner, Maureen V. Garner

      Pages 133-156

   4. The Role of Self in Alcohol Use

      • Jay G. Hull, Paula P. Schnurr

      Pages 157-185

   5. The Self-Schema in Depression

      • Keith S. Dobson

      Pages 187-217

   6. Anxiety, Worry, and the Self

      • T. D. Borkovec, Richard L. Metzger, Thomas Pruzinsky

      Pages 219-260

4. Treatment Implications

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 261-263

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   2. Social Anxiety, Problem Drinking, and Self-Awareness

      • Lorne M. Hartman

      Pages 265-282

   3. Self-Construct Perspectives in Psychotherapy

      • Jack Adams-Webber

      Pages 283-303

   4. The Self as Mediator of Cognitive Change in Psychotherapy

      • Vittorio F. Guidano

      Pages 305-330

5. Back Matter

   Pages 331-336

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One's view of self has pervasive and significant effects socially, psychologi­ cally, and even biologically. Regardless of theoretical differences, most psycho­ therapists agree that perception of self in one way or another profoundly impacts emotional satisfaction, behavioral adaptation, and rational thinking. Self-accep­ tance has played a major role in almost every major theory of personality. Despite its recognized importance over the years, only recently has the percep­ tion of self received vigorous research attention as a central variable in the development and maintenance of psychological dysfunction and as a mediating mechanism in effecting psychological change. Several lines of evidence point to the importance of self-perception in emotional disorder and psychotherapy. Feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness are frequently cited complaints among persons seeking psychological help. Peo­ ple with low self-esteem see themselves as helpless and inferior. They feel incapable of improving their situation. They fail to evidence the requisite inner resources or coping abilities for tolerating the stress of their life situation. The ability to be involved in healthy intimate relationships, to engage in successful career performance, to experience satisfactory sexual functioning, or to maintain effective mood management are all subject to disruption as a result of inconsis­ tent and impaired self-appraisal.

• Action
• Perception
• attention
• coping
• emotion
• feeling
• management
• stress
• thinking

• Addiction Research Foundation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

  Lorne M. Hartman

• Department of Psychology, Erindale College, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Toronto, Canada

  Kirk R. Blankstein

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