
Social identities do not change as often, because they depend on our becoming interpersonally invested and, as such, take more time to develop. A current interest in online video games may later give way to an interest in graphic design. Personal identities may change often as people have new experiences and develop new interests and hobbies. Our social identities are the components of self that are derived from involvement in social groups.Įxample identity characteristics Personal For example, I may consider myself a puzzle lover, and you may identify as a fan of hip-hop music. Personal identities include the components of self that are primarily intrapersonal and connected to our life experiences. Two related but distinct components of our identities are our personal and social identities (Spreckels and Kotthoff, 2009). Our identities are formed through processes that started before we were born and will continue after we are gone therefore, our identities aren’t something we achieve or complete. Our identities make up an important part of our self-concept and can be broken down into three main categories: personal, social, and cultural identity. This begins a lifelong process of thinking about who we are now, who we were before, and who we will become (Tatum, 2009).

This process begins right after we are born, but most people in Western societies reach a stage in adolescence in which maturing cognitive abilities and increased social awareness lead them to begin to reflect on who they are. Our parents, friends, teachers, and the media contribute to shaping our identities. We develop a sense of who we are based on what is reflected back on us from other people. IDENTITY was ’s word of the year for 2015! This awareness is a useful first step in developing your abilities to relate with and understand other people too. Having a better knowledge of your own interpersonal communication preferences will allow you to better understand yourself, your identity, and motivations. The chapter wraps up with information to help you determine your preferences and work habits, a review of communication channels, and a peek at Belbin’s nine team roles that may help you understand and excel at communicating interpersonally while doing team work.

The focus is then turned to perception, including how selective perception can often negatively affect interpersonal communication. Some elements of your identity are things you choose, known as avowed identity, and some are elements that are put upon you, known as ascribed identity. The next section of the chapter takes a deeper look at other elements of your identity. The third is your cultural identity, which can include elements such as your race, ethnicity or gender. The second element is your social identity, which would include things like identifying socially as an animal rescue volunteer, an entrepreneur, or a marathon runner. Personal identity elements are examined using the five-factor personality trait model, on which many personality tests are built. The chapter begins with an overview of the three core elements that make up your identity. Those things are important here as well, but they are important in the context of their impact on you. When we study interpersonal communication, we often focus on external things like the audience or environment. This chapter is all about helping you to uncover your interpersonal communication preferences.

Upon completing this chapter, you should be able to:
