COSPLAYING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON SELF-CONCEPT

AND SELF-PRESENTATION OF COSPLAYERS

Theoretical Frameworks

This research study was based on the following theories:

The first basis of the study is the most influential theories in personality psychology, that
of Carl Rogers’ Self–Concept Theory. In Carl Rogers’ view, the self is the central ingredient in
human personality and personal adjustment. He describes the self as a social product, developing
out of interpersonal relationships and striving for consistency. He maintains that there is a basic
human need for positive regard both from others and from oneself. He also believes that in every
person, there is a tendency towards self-actualization and development so long as this is
permitted and encouraged by an inviting environment (Purkey and Schmidt, 1987).
The Humanistic Theory of Carl Rogers regarding the self is also relevant to the study,
since his focus is on humans whom he believes have an innate drive toward personal growth –
that is, humans evolved towards a higher state of being. This includes the need for knowledge,
understanding, order, and aesthetic beauty.
The Self–Concept Theory also served as a basis for the study of the researchers. The
theory gives importance to an individual’s specific view and perception of his/herself. It also
suggests that an individual’s self image of the ideal self determines ones behavior. Therefore, the
theory served as a guide for the respondents to evaluate their personal view about cosplay and
enabled the researchers to measure the present level of Self-Concept of the respondents as
measured by the standardized self–concept questionnaire.
In addition, the Possible Selves’ Theory of Oyserman (2004) can orient current choices
and behavior. Envisioning one’s future “healthy self,” the self who can take the stairs without
becoming breathless, or one’s future “unhealthy, smoking self,” the self who can no longer do
so, can make current choices - pushing the elevator button, refraining from buying a new
package of cigarettes, or going to the gym - feel meaningful rather than simply painful. Yet
people do not always act in ways that enhance their chances of attaining their positive and
avoiding their negative possible selves.
The researchers also utilized Karen Horney’s Theory of the Self, which states that if one
has an accurate conception of oneself, then one is free to realize his/her potential and achieve
what one wishes, within reasonable boundaries. Thus, Horney believes that self-actualization is
the healthy person's aim through life, as opposed to the neurotic's clinging to a set of key needs.
Self-actualization is something that individuals strive for. It is important to know the differences
between one’s ideal and real self. Since the neurotic person's self is split between an idealized
self and a corresponding despised self, individuals may feel that they somehow lack living up to
the ideals. They feel that there is a flaw somewhere in comparison to what they "should" be.
In addition to Carl Rogers’ theory, the ideal human condition is embodied in the “Fully-
Functioning Person” who is open to experience, able to live existentially, is trusting in his/her
own organism, expresses feelings freely, acts independently, creative and lives a richer and
healthy life. If one feels free and responsible, one will act accordingly, and participate in the
world; this is creativity. A fully-functioning person, in touch with actualization, will feel obliged
by his/her nature to contribute to the actualization of others, even life itself. This can be through
creativity in the arts or sciences, through social concern and parental love, or simply by doing
one's best at one's job (Rogers, 1961).
This theory also served as a guide to the researchers to further realize the inner beauty of
the “Fully-Functioning Person,” and thus understand and reflect upon the significance of the
theoretical underpinnings of the behaviors characteristic among cosplayers (Rogers, 1995).
Another basis of the research study was that of Carl Jung’s Archetypes, an original model
of a person, object, or concept from which similar instances are derived, copied, patterned, or
emulated. In psychology, an archetype is a model of a person, personality, or behavior. This
helped the researchers to determine which kind of archetype the respondents are exhibiting
(http://www.carl-jung.net/archetypes.html, 2 Sept 2008).
The Theory of Possible Selves was also a basis in this research study. It is the visions of
the self we dream of becoming – the rich self, the thin self – the passionately loved and loving
self. They also include the self we fear becoming – the underemployed self, the unloved self, the
academically failed self. Such possible selves motivate us with specific goals for a vision of the
life we long for. Oyserman et al. (2004)
Lastly, the researchers tried to establish an interpretation of the respondents’ selected
character to cosplay and their desire to express themselves to Carl Jung’s Archetypes. The
archetypes served as the basis in categorizing the respondents’ alternate personas that were
gathered through the self constructed / validated questionnaire on self–concept.
 These theories further elaborated the importance of the self and differentiated one’s real
self and the ideal self. The cited theories served as the bases in defining the respondents’ self-
concept. Furthermore, the Possible Selves Theory gave an in-depth overview of the theories of
self and how the respondents perceived their ideal self.
On the other hand, cosplaying is a social activity, thus the Social Psychology Theory of
self - presentation is also important in exploring how cosplayers present themselves in a social
context and what strategies they exhibit.

Conceptual Framework

The researcher explored the implications of cosplaying on the self–concept and self-
presentation of the cosplayers, on how the changes in the individuals’ personal point of view of
themselves as being unique, qualifying them to be eligible model cosplayers existing on a
stereotyped environment.
The framework in Figure 1 shows the events and factors that have led cosplayers to
acquire the conception of cosplaying. In order to determine the implications on the levels of self–
concept and self–presentation of the cosplayers, the study considered the positive and negative
implications that influenced self–concept and self–presentation. Accordingly, the researchers
came up with recommendations for enhancing the cosplayers’ self–concept and self–
presentation.
Figure. 1. Cosplaying and Its Implications on Self–Concept and Self–Presentation of
Cosplayers
 THE IMPACT OF PARENTAL SEPARATION ON THE BEHAVIOR
OF SELECTED CHILDREN IN CALAMBA CITY

Theoretical Framework

This theoretical framework presents an overview of the theories considered to understand

the concepts, systems, structure and process related to parental separation and its impact on the
child’s behavior. It focuses on three significant theories which serve as anchors of this study
namely: the Attachment Theory, Systemic and Structural Family Theory, and the Family System
Theory.

Attachment Theory
Originating from the perspective of Bowlby (2007), the Attachment Theory is a
psychological, evolutionary and ethological theory that provides a descriptive and explanatory
framework for understanding interpersonal relationships between human beings. Among
children, behavior associated with attachment is primarily a process of proximity seeking to an
identified attachment figure in situations of perceived distress or alarm, for the purpose of
survival. Children become attached to their parents who are

sensitive and responsive in social interactions with them, and who remain as consistent
caregivers for them during their childhood stage. Parental responses lead to the development of
patterns of attachment which in turn lead to 'internal working models' which will guide the
individual's feelings, thoughts, and expectations in later relationships. Separation anxiety or grief
following serious loss is a normal and natural response among attached children.
The child has a need for a secure relationship with his parents, without which, normal
social and emotional development will not occur. However, different relationship experiences
can lead to different developmental outcomes. Mary Ainsworth developed a theory of a number
of attachment patterns or "styles" in children in which distinct characteristics were identified
namely: secure attachment, avoidant attachment, anxious attachment and disorganized
attachment. An extreme deficit in appropriate parenting can lead to a lack of attachment
behaviors in a child and may result in the rare disorder known as reactive attachment disorder.
 The child manifesting secure attachment to his parent or other familiar caregiver will
explore freely while the parent is present. Typically he engages with strangers, is often visibly
upset when one of the parents departs, and is generally happy to see the parent returns. The
extent of exploration and of distress is affected by the child's temperamental make-up and by
situational factors as well as by attachment status. Securely attached children are best able to
explore when they have the knowledge of a secure base to return to in times of need. When
assistance is given, this bolsters the sense of security and also, assuming the parent's assistance is
helpful, educates the child on how to cope with the same problem in the future. Therefore, secure
attachment can be seen as the most adaptive attachment style. According to some psychological
researchers, a child becomes securely attached when the parent is available and able to meet the
needs of the child in a responsive and appropriate manner. Others have

pointed out that there are also other determinants of the child's attachment, and that behavior of
the parent may in turn be influenced by the child's behavior.
A child with an anxious-resistant attachment style will typically explore little in the
strange situation and is often wary of strangers, even when the parent is present. When the
mother departs, the child is often highly distressed. The child is generally ambivalent when she
returns. On the other hand, a child showing an anxious-avoidant attachment style will avoid or
ignore the parent when he or she returns to the strange situation showing little overt indications
of an emotional response. Often, the stranger will not be treated much differently from the
parent. And lastly, the disorganized attachment pattern is subsequently identified and
empiricized when a sizeable number of infants defy classification in terms of Ainsworth's
original tripartite classification scheme. It can be conceptualized as the lack of a coherent
'organized' behavioral strategy for dealing with the stresses (i.e., the strange room, the stranger,
and the comings and goings of the caregiver) of the Strange Situation Procedure.
Evidence from Main et al. has suggested that children with disorganized attachment may
experience their caregivers as either frightening or frightened. A frightened caregiver is alarming
to the child, who uses social referencing techniques such as checking the adult's facial expression
to ascertain whether a situation is safe. A frightening caregiver is usually so via aggressive
behaviors towards the child (either mild or direct physical/sexual behaviors) and puts the child in
a dilemma which Main and colleagues have called 'fear without solution.' In other words, the
caregiver is both the source of the child's alarm as well as the child's haven of safety.
This theory is significant to this research study because it seeks to find out if the
attachment patterns of the child to both of his parents will be affected due to the separation.
Thus, it can have a great impact on the child’s behavior both personally and socially. The effect
can either be a positive or negative attachment depending on the developed relationship between
them after the separation.
Systemic and Structural Family Theory
Bowen (1998) took efforts to describe family processes that extend beyond the dyadic
level, the idea of triangles within the family, or triangulation, is one of the more robust
theoretical concepts that has emerged. Triangulation can occur in a variety of ways, but always
involves a pair of family members incorporating or rejecting a third family member.
Triangulation is seen in the cross-generational coalitions that can develop within families a
concept that many family therapists have linked to the development of maladjustment in
children.
Bowen elucidates that one of the seminal constructs of this theory is the idea of an
emotional triangle (Friedman 1991). In his terms, triangles occur in all families and social groups
(Hoffman 1981). They are fluid—rather than static—as all two-person relationships go through
cycles of closeness and distance Drawing in a third party is one way to try and stabilize the
relationship. For Bowen, triangles are most likely to develop when a dyad is experiencing stress
(Nichols and Schwartz 1995). Triangulating patterns tend to become rigid when created under
duress but tend to be more flexible during calmer periods in the family life-cycle (Hoffman
1981). When tension exists between two family members, one of them may attempt to "triangle
in" a third person either directly or indirectly.
Detouring and cross-generational coalitions are two types of triangulation described by
Minuchin (1998). When parents are unable to resolve problems between them, they may direct
their focus of concern away from themselves and onto the child, perhaps reinforcing maladaptive
behavior in the child. The child may then become identified as the problematic member of the
family. Detouring occurs when parents, rather than directing anger or criticism toward each
other, focus the negativity on the child and the parent-child conflict thus serves to distract from
the tension in the marital subsystem. This type of triangulation also is sometimes referred to as
scapegoating as the child's well-being is sacrificed so that the marital conflict might be avoided.
Cross-

generational coalitions develop when one or both parents trying to enlist the support of the child
against the other parent. Cross-generational coalitions also exist when one of the parents
responds to the child's needs with excessive concern and devotion (enmeshment) while the other
parent withdraws and becomes less responsive. In the latter situation, the attention to the child is
supportive rather than critical or conflict. Minuchin believes cross-generational coalitions to be
particularly associated with psychosomatic illness and recent research also shows associations
with marital distress.
We preferred this theory because we believed it could provide us an insight on the
relationship between the parent and the child after the separation. Further it could also help us to
understand how the child is affected by the conflicts, disagreements and arguments of both of his
parents. In addition, this theory explains the positive and negative relationship the child would
have with either of the parents.

Family Systems Theory

This theoretical approach has been applied largely in the physical sciences to explain the
complex workings of naturally occurring systems. As applied to humans, families are described
as operating in ways that are similar to those of other systems observed in nature. This way of
looking at family functioning describes the operation of a family social system (Bigner, 1998).
We the researchers chose this theory as one of the anchors of our study because through the
concepts and principles of this theory we could understand better the impact of parental
separation on the behavior of the children based on their family relationship and interactions.
This theory also explains how a family responds to change, not only to developmental
changes in family members, but to external changes that challenge its stability to function
effectively as a group. For us to understand how families operate we relied on the Family
Systems Theory (Bigner, 1998). It expands on the different principles that best explain the
concepts of this theory, namely: wholeness, interdependence, patterns, boundary, entropy,
equifinality, homeostasis and adaptation.
 Conceptual Framework

ATTACHMENT THEORY
SYSTEMIC & STRUCTURAL FAMILY THEORY
FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY

PARENTAL SEPARATION

CHIL
D

PROFIL
E

CONCEPTIONS FACTORS REACTIONS

IMPACT ON THE BEHAVIOR

PERSONAL CHANGES
SOCIAL CHANGES
(THEMATIC ANALYSIS)

Figure1. The Impact of Parental Separation on the Behavior of Children

 This framework is focused on the impact of parental separation on the child’s behavior
particularly on the personal and social dimension. Theories to support the study include
attachment theory, systemic and structural family theory, and family systems theory. The
theories will help us determine the impact of parental separation on the behavior of the child. We
visualize that when parental separation occurs in the family either one of the said Family System
Principles is lacking among them. Thus, children often displayed the most visible sign of
distress, a manifestation that they may not understand why their parents have to separate. This
can be associated with their young age and cognitively immature in nature.

Parental separation as a family experience is a stressful period among the family

members most especially to the child. Parental separation is the condition of couples who remain
married but decided to live apart either by mutual agreement or by the decree of court. The most
common cause is how to deal with problems the proper way. When marital problems arise and
nothing is done, most of the time it leads to separation.

The parent’s separation is a traumatic experience on the part of the child. Not only
entering a new stage of the children’s life but also the child need’s to deal with the aspect of
having two separate homes. Children are usually conscious of what is happening leading to
unusual behavior.

Moreover, the parent-child relationship after the separation of parents can be one of the
contributory factors on the impact of the child’s behavior due to attachment with their parents
and caregivers. Attachment is one of the major aspects in the child’s development. Children
develop different styles of attachment based on experiences and interactions with their primary
caregivers. Furthermore, the involvement of the child

with his parent’s separation causes tension. The kind of relationship between the parent and the
child can lead to the development of personal and social changes.

The children may develop feelings of alienation, anger, confusion, and despair leading to
a variety of problems both on the personal and social aspects. Child’s personal behavior reflects
much on his relationship with his parents and their situation at home. Where one leads an
exemplary life, this is a source of joy and honor to the child and causes others to praise and
admire him. Conversely, a child's improper behavior is a source of disgrace and ignonimity for
them. However, the child’s social behavior is corroborated with the child’s interaction outside
their home. Their behavior and interaction with other people will reflect the kind of life the child
has.