And how can this theory make you a better person?
In 1902, American sociologist Charles Horton Cooley introduced the concept of the Looking-Glass Self in his book Human Nature and the Social Order.
Cooley said that a person’s concept of self is developed through their interpersonal interactions and their perception of how others view them.
He said that there are 3 stages to this theory:
- We imagine how we appear to others.
- We imagine their judgment of that appearance.
- We develop our sense of self through the judgments of others.
For example, a basketball player receives compliments on his playmaking skills.