define reflected appraisal

asalmes

3 min read

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07-02-2025

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Reflected appraisal, also known as the looking-glass self, is a social psychological concept describing how our self-concept is shaped by how we perceive others see us. It's not about what others actually think, but rather our interpretation of their judgments and reactions. This perceived judgment profoundly influences how we view ourselves, our abilities, and our worth.

How Reflected Appraisal Works: The Looking-Glass Self

The term "looking-glass self" aptly captures the essence of reflected appraisal. Imagine looking into a mirror; you see your reflection, but that reflection is influenced by the light, the angle, and the mirror itself. Similarly, our self-perception is a reflection of how we believe others perceive us. This process involves three main steps:

1. We imagine how we appear to others: We constantly assess how we are presenting ourselves in social interactions. This includes our behavior, appearance, and words.

2. We imagine their judgment of that appearance: We then try to anticipate how others are evaluating us based on our imagined appearance. Are they impressed? Disappointed? Amused?

3. We develop our self-feeling based on those imagined judgments: This imagined judgment, whether positive or negative, shapes our self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall self-concept. A perceived positive judgment boosts self-esteem; a perceived negative judgment can lower it.

Examples of Reflected Appraisal in Action

Consider these scenarios to understand how reflected appraisal plays out in daily life:

• A student receiving praise from a teacher: If a student believes their teacher sees them as intelligent and hardworking, it can reinforce their self-belief in their academic abilities.

• An athlete performing poorly in a game: If an athlete feels their teammates and coach are judging their performance negatively, it might negatively impact their confidence and future performance. This is especially true if the athlete already has low self-esteem.

• A person receiving compliments on their outfit: If someone receives compliments on their clothing choice, they might feel a boost in self-esteem and confidence in their fashion sense.

• Social media and reflected appraisal: The constant feedback loop on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok profoundly impacts reflected appraisal. Likes, comments, and shares can influence self-esteem, often leading to heightened self-consciousness and a need for external validation.

The Impact of Reflected Appraisal on Self-Esteem and Identity

Reflected appraisal has a significant impact on our self-esteem and identity formation, particularly during adolescence and young adulthood when social approval is crucial. However, its influence extends throughout our lives. The continuous process of internalizing others' perceived judgments can lead to:

• Positive self-image: Consistent positive feedback can lead to a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.

• Negative self-image: Frequent negative feedback or perceived criticism can result in low self-esteem, insecurity, and self-doubt.

• Self-fulfilling prophecies: Our beliefs about how others perceive us can shape our behavior, leading to outcomes that confirm those beliefs (e.g., believing you're incompetent might lead to avoidance of challenging tasks, further reinforcing the belief).

Limitations of Reflected Appraisal

While reflected appraisal is a powerful force shaping our self-concept, it's crucial to understand its limitations:

• Subjectivity: Reflected appraisal is based on our perception of others' judgments, which can be inaccurate or distorted by our own biases and insecurities. We might misinterpret neutral or even positive feedback as negative.

• Over-reliance on external validation: Excessive reliance on reflected appraisal can lead to a dependence on external validation, making self-esteem fragile and susceptible to fluctuations based on others' opinions.

• Ignoring objective evidence: Our perceptions might override objective evidence of our abilities and worth.

Cultivating a Healthy Sense of Self Beyond Reflected Appraisal

Developing a strong sense of self that is less dependent on external validation requires:

• Self-reflection: Engage in introspection to understand your own values, strengths, and weaknesses independent of others' perceptions.

• Self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, acknowledging imperfections and setbacks as part of the human experience.

• Seeking diverse perspectives: Don't rely solely on a limited set of opinions. Seek feedback from multiple sources and try to differentiate between constructive criticism and unwarranted negativity.

• Focusing on intrinsic motivation: Find satisfaction and purpose in activities you enjoy, regardless of external validation.

Understanding reflected appraisal is crucial to achieving a healthy sense of self. While it undeniably influences how we see ourselves, it doesn't have to dictate our self-worth. By consciously developing self-awareness and focusing on intrinsic motivation, we can cultivate a more secure and authentic self-concept, independent of others' perceived judgments.