The looking-glass self in family context: A social relations analysis

Author(s): Douglas, E. M.

Journal/Book: J Family Psychology. 1998; 12: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 299-309.

Abstract: Family relationships provide the most valid context for studying a key hypothesis of Symbolic Interaction Theory (SIT), that how one is perceived by significant others determines one's view of the self (C.H. Cooley, 1902). Implicit in this hypothesis is another hypothesis, that people are accurate in perceiving how they are perceived by others. This study investigated the accuracy of young people's perceptions of how they are viewed by their parents (i.e., metaperception accuracy). Social relations analysis (D.A. Kenny & L. La Voie, 1984) was applied to data from 51 2-parent, 2-child families. College students were accurate in their metaperceptions of father but only for perceived assertiveness. Adolescents demonstrated generalized accuracy in their metaperceptions of cooperation. The results partially support a modified version of SIT.

Note: Article Cook WL, Maine Med Ctr, Dept Psychiat, 22 Bramhall St, Portland,ME 04102 USA

Keyword(s): REFLECTED APPRAISAL PROCESS; MODEL; INTERDEPENDENCE; ACCURACY; SYSTEM

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