External image

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An external image is an image that others make of a person , or the image that this person makes of others.

perception

An external image is the totality of all perceptions , feelings and evaluations that third parties have of an individual . These perceptions are automatically linked to previous experiences of the person being observed and to the feelings and evaluations resulting from this link. The image that others have of someone shapes their expectations towards that someone, it has a significant impact on social interaction with one another.

External image and self-image

The external image - more precisely: how this is communicated and what behavior results from the external image - significantly shapes the self-image . Positive, appreciative external images strengthen self-confidence and self-esteem . In extreme cases, negative and / or contradicting external images can lead to mental illness.

The image of others and self-image are always different. From the two perspectives and the difference - more precisely: from the conclusions that the participants draw from them for themselves - the social interactions develop, controlled by the participants' own self .

External image in group dynamics

Johari window

A conscious handling of images on top of one another plays a major role in group dynamics . Giving and receiving external images is trained in feedback exercises. The Johari window describes the connection between the image of others and the self, and between conscious and unconscious parts of these images. With "awareness exercises", mindfulness is trained in order to recognize unconscious expectations of third parties beforehand, and communication exercises are used to train one's own and other people's images and expectations.

In psychotherapy

Dealing with external images is also an issue in psychotherapy. For example in the treatment of depression or the consequences of trauma or bullying , or in general in supporting members of marginalized groups.

See also

literature