understanding the self

2. Soren Kierkegaard
“Life can only be understood
backwards, but it must be lived
forwards.”

3. Time Perspective Theory
•The Time Perspective Theory of Philip
Zimbardo (1999) explains how people
envision their experiences.

4. The 5 time perspective, according the theory,
are the following
• Present Hedonistic
• Present fatalistic
• Past positive
• Past negative
• Future oriented

5. According to Zimbardo, a healthy perspective is one that
combines past, present, and future time perspectives.
Remembering past lessons and gaining insights from both
positive and negative experiences, maximizing present opportunities
and circumstances, and planning for the future can have positive
outcomes for any individual, and in this context, students. Thus,
taking note of time perspectives can certainly help college
students in determining their futures, within personal and
professional contexts.

6. The Possible Selves
• This section focuses on the Possible Selves Theory of Hazel Markus
and Paula Nurius which refers to the different representations of the
self-derived from the past and the future. Possible selves are viewed
as the positive aspects of the self that contribute to an individual’s
motivations in his/her goals and present actions that will potentially
lead into attaining desired and expected self-outcomes in the
future.

7. The Possible Selves Theory
While one lives in the present and is bounded by present
circumstances, he/she has the capacity to make the right choices that
will have consequences and repercussions for the future. The Possible
Selves Theory has outlined 6 philosophical premises that are not only
crucial to one’s full self-understanding but also vital in shaping one’s
future.

8. 6 premises
• Possible selves are both a motivational resource and a behavioral
blueprint of the self.
• Not all future selves are positive.
• One’s future self is intertwined with his/her past and present selves.
• Future selves are a product of social interactions.
• This premise lies in life transitions that have an enabling influence on
one’s future selves.
• The last premise is based on the concepts of proximal and distal
goals.