Lesson 27: Possible Selves

Attention

As we construct our lives we develop a theory of who we are...our possible selves...and spend our lives discovering the truth!

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

• Reflect upon the activities of developing a clear possible self theory

Teaching

Possible Selves

Possible Selves represent what we could be come, what we would like to become, and what we are afraid of becoming.

This model allows us to understand how stability and change operate in the adult personality.

• On one hand possible selves remain stable and we strive for this stability
• On the other hand, changes can come along and we can engage in the process of personal growth

How do you think age impacts how we perceive our possible selves?

Do the young have more hope while the older we get the more we refine what we might be, or accept the selves we have become?

Possible Selves and Achievement

Reflecting on the person you want to be and the person you don't want to be can have a large impact on the actual outcomes. Much of this also has to do with your sense of "Personal Control" over life events.

Assessment

Lesson 27 Discussion

For this discussion you are going to have to interview your biography subject.

Inquire as to what they state they wanted to do when they grew up (the dream they had as kids or as young adults). Did this come true? In what ways?

Then, based on your knowledge of this person, evaluate if the individual attributes their success/failure to themselves and their own actions, or to circumstances that they could not control.

Finally, reflect on how this perspective relates to your own expectations of your self and what you are becoming. Reflect on how you and your subject are similar or different in terms of your source of control.