Internal/External Perceptions are factors that are both internal and external to a person’s identity that define who they are. These forces include (internal), mental health, thoughts, and beliefs/values as an individual. On the other hand, exterior forces include our personal experiences/ actions to these experiences, effect of social media platforms, and outside influences that impact our thinking. There are different branches of internal and external perceptions that tie into their identity. Some of these can include the relationship between the soul and physical attributes, the effects of society’s opinions, conditioning and how it is internalized, and the perspectives of different age generations influence each other. These help us understand that identity can be influenced by a variety of things like interior aspects and physical aspects. We understand your outside identity that you portray can be completely different than your inside “true” identity.
We see connections with other groups through our different subconcepts. For example, in the film UP, there is a strong connection between age generations/maturity and relationships based on the fact that when Russell and Mr. Frederickson go on their journey together, they form the relationship of a familial bond by the end of the movie. Also, we can tie the age generations/maturity concept with the idea of identity as a process since Russell and Mr. Frederickson’s bond takes time to form. Additionally, we can see a connection between the effects of society’s opinions and relationships based on the Taylor Swift song “Delicate,” because her interior perception that is seen by Joe Alwyn sets the scene for their romantic relationship. Alwyn sees who Swift truly is as a person behind the misinformation and rumors surrounding her and chooses to pursue a relationship with her. Toddlers and Tiaras demonstrates a connection between relationships and process. The parents in Toddlers and Tiaras condition the kids that money and winning equals beauty. The act of conditioning can be tied to the process group in Toddlers and Tiaras, as it requires time. The kids in Toddlers and Tiaras associate junk food and snack foods with crying. When they throw tantrums, soda and pixie sticks are offered to get them to cooperate. Lastly, there is a connection with the soul and body with the group process. This is due to the fact that our bodies, over time, start to lose their perfection and beauty. The soul will continue to stay intact over time; the soul is what makes you you. Identity has a very strong connection with the soul because it is what we are internally just like the soul.