The primary aim of this volume is to present the most recent advances in the psychological study of the self with a special emphasis on the factors that contribute to self-concept and self-esteem. This volume offers the following features: * state-of-the-art testimonies of important new research programs on the self * valuable reviews and literature on measurement of self-concept * analysis of sociocultural influences on self -- an understudied topic until recently * new theory on the origins of self-enhancement