Identity control theory

The identity standard stores the self-meanings tied to social roles and membership in groups.

The meanings in identity standard represent the goals or the way the situation is supposed to be.

Then as a function of the output, there is meaningful behavior enacted in the situation that conveys meanings about our identity.

As one might guess, the identity control theory has a direct correlation to an individual's emotions.

This reassurance allows the individual to feel secure in their actions and be able to further predict the responses of others.

This creates harmony for the individual and allows them to be happier than if their perceptions did not match the actual outcome of their identities.

In fact, there are four main ways a person's identity can be misinterpreted that will produce emotions of anger and other negative aspects.

The complete unrecognition will produce even more frustration and anger than an incorrect view of the identity.

This is a sure way for the individual to become down upon themselves or even extremely angry with themselves for not developing that aspect of their identities and being misunderstood.

Disapproval can severely drop the persons self-esteem or push the individual to be hostile with those around them due to their reactions.

On the other hand, irregular responses can cause the individual to become frustrated with their outcome which can lead to a great deal of anger if it is repeated many times.

External demands could be need for warmth, chores around the house or job, and cleanliness.

This includes the person's thoughts, feelings, and actions to reduce different demands (Foulton, 1982).

For instance, if two people are hungry and are having problems at work, the first person might eat first then try to fix their job situation.

This is the second part: how current events (what is happening) affect changes in daily life or even the person's environment over time.

Beliefs, values, goals, commitments, and physical safety are all at stake (Foulton, 1982).

The functions of coping responses are to reduce stress; they help restore an equilibrium (Foulton, 1982).

Here are some examples: defense mechanisms help reduce tension; decision-making responses involves seeking and evaluating information; coping responses with illness involves the reduction of harmful environmental conditions and the maintenance of a positive self-image (Foulton, 1982).

A cognitive response is thinking positively or even looking at things from a different perspective.

In the reverse direction, if people do not develop their identities enough, it would be impossible for them to interact with those around them fully.

However, if the reactions are inconsistent, the security needed for positive emotions related to their identity is not present.

Looking Glass Self is a sociological term that was introduced by a man named Charles Horton Cooley.

In identity control theory, the individuals feelings arise from the reactions of the group around them.

But, following identity control theory this individuals input would not match their output which would have the potential to induce negative feelings.

This can also be seen in the reverse because if the principle of looking glass self caused the output of an individual to match their input, positive emotions would be brought out.

With that being said, the idea of looking glass self has the ability to manipulate the emotional responses of individuals in regards to identity control theory.

A man named George Herbert Mead furthered the ideas of self that were started by Cooley.

Mind, in this sense of the word, is being able to understand symbols that are used in everyday social interactions.

These relate to identity control theory because understanding the symbols involved in social interaction and being able to predict the outcomes of interaction can help and individual prevent the negative feelings that can be associated with identity control theory.

This will draw positive emotions from the person rather than negative ones, which is what individuals strive for in regards to identity control theory.