Self as Agent: A Review of the Literature
In recent years, the concept of self as agent has become an increasingly popular topic in the fields of psychology and social sciences. This article reviews the literature on self as agent, discussing its development, implications for psychological and social well-being, and implications for future research.
The concept of self as agent was first introduced by William James in 1890, in his classic work, The Principles of Psychology (James, 1890). According to James, the self is the “organizing principle” of the mind, and it is the self that determines our actions and our decisions. He proposed the idea that the self is an active agent, capable of making choices and taking responsibility for those choices.
In the decades since James’ initial work, the concept of self as agent has been studied extensively in the fields of psychology and social sciences. One example of this research is Bandura’s (1986) theory of self-efficacy, which proposes that individuals have the power to control their own behavior and outcomes. This theory suggests that individuals can be proactive in their lives, rather than relying on external factors to determine their outcomes.
More recently, self as agent has been studied in relation to mental health and well-being. For example, research has shown that individuals who view themselves as active agents in their lives are more likely to engage in positive behaviors, such as exercise, healthy eating, and social engagement (Linn, 2015; Chiu & Hahn, 2017). Additionally, research suggests that individuals who view themselves as agents are more likely to be resilient in the face of adversity, and to have higher levels of subjective well-being (Linn, 2015; Chiu & Hahn, 2017).
The concept of self as agent also has implications for social relationships. Research suggests that individuals who view themselves as active agents in their own lives are more likely to be assertive in their relationships, and to take responsibility for their own actions (Linn, 2015; Chiu & Hahn, 2017). Additionally, research suggests that individuals who view themselves as agents are more likely to engage in prosocial behavior, and to have a more positive view of their own self-worth (Linn, 2015; Chiu & Hahn, 2017).
In conclusion, the concept of self as agent is an important one, with implications for both psychological and social well-being. Future research should continue to explore the concept in greater depth, examining its effect on various aspects of mental health and social relationships.
References
Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Chiu, Y., & Hahn, K. (2017). The influence of self-efficacy on well-being: A meta-analysis. Social Indicators Research, 133(2), 699-719.
James, W. (1890). The Principles of Psychology. New York, NY: Henry Holt.
Linn, C. (2015). The role of self-efficacy in psychological well-being. Current Opinion in Psychology, 7, 21-25.