This complex process brings us to Sullivan’s “self” concept which involves organisation of experiences within the personality. Self is constructed from the reflected appraisals of oneself that forms a body of beliefs to the person’s personality. It is also considered as a complex organisation of experiences for avoiding anxiety; it develops from associating one’s behaviours with the mother’s affective state. Sullivan discriminated between three forms of self based on experiences and behaviours that induce anxiety in the mother:
“Good-me,” (ii) “bad-me” and (iii) “not-me”
“Good-me” developed with experiences and behaviours that meet with mother’s approval bringing about tenderness and little anxiety; associated with a sense of security and relaxation
“Bad-me” developed with experiences and behaviours that induces more anxiety in mother; associated with increasing anxiety
“Not-me” developed with experiences and behaviours that evokes intense anxiety in the mother which is so dreadful that the child obliterates from his awareness; associated with intense anxiety.
Personality is believed to be acquired through the subjective images of self and others through the developmental stages referred to as personifications. “Good-mother” (involves tenderness and responsiveness to needs) and “bad-mother” (involves anxious experiences) are composite personifications for an infant.
