The Self Explained Why and How We Become Who We Are

The idea of the self is immediately familiar to everyone, yet elusive to define and understand. From pioneering researcher Roy F. Baumeister, this volume synthesizes a vast body of knowledge to provide a panoramic view of the human self--how it develops and functions, why it exists, and what problems it encounters on the journey through life. What are the benefits of self-knowledge, and how attainable is it? Do we have one self, or many? What is the relationship of self and society? In 28 concise chapters, Baumeister explains complex concepts with clarity and insight. He reveals the central role played by the self in enabling both individuals and cultures to thrive.

I. The Remarkable Human Self 1. What Is the Self? 2. The Self in Social Context 3. How the Modern Western Self Took Shape 4. Different Societies Make Different Kinds of Selves 5. Four Pitfalls of Self Theories: No Self, Multiple Selves, Authentic True Selves, and Self-Actualization II. Why Do We Have Selves? 6. Some Beginnings of Self 7. How Baby Grows Up to Have a Working Self 8. Human Groups Need (and Shape) Selves 9. Moral Reputation as a Foundation of Self 10. The Unity Project: The Unfinished Business of Stitching the Self Together III. Know Thyself 11. Self-Awareness 12. What Sort of Knowledge Is Self-Knowledge? 13. Why Know Thyself? 14. Building Self-Knowledge: How People Learn about Themselves 15. Self-Esteem 16. Accuracy and Illusion in Self-Beliefs IV. The Self as Active Agent 17. The Self in Action 18. Self-Regulation and Self-Control 19. Decision Making, Autonomy, and Free Will V. The Self in Relation to Others 20. The Interpersonal Self 21. The Self as Group Member 22. Self-Presentation 23. Self as Close Relationship Partner VI. Problems of Self 24. Problems of the Modern Self 25. The Stress of Self, and Some Escape Routes 26. Selves and Mental Illness 27. The Deep Puzzle of Self-Defeating Behavior 28. Ways the Mind Can Organize Self-Beliefs Epilogue. The Self: A Summary

Roy F. Baumeister, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Florida State University and at the University of Queensland in Australia. One of social psychology's most highly cited researchers, Dr. Baumeister has been conducting research, teaching, and thinking about the human self since the 1970s. His work spans multiple topics, including self and identity, self-control, interpersonal rejection and the need to belong, sexuality and gender, violence and evil, self-esteem, self-presentation, emotion, decision making, consciousness and free will, and finding meaning in life. He has written approximately 700 professional publications as well as numerous books for professionals and the general public. Dr. Baumeister is a recipient of awards including the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Self and Identity and the William James Fellow Award, the highest honor of the Association for Psychological Science.