A business owner feels less capable after an accident. This reaction is best explained through which concept?

The correct answer is rooted in the concept of the looking-glass self, which posits that individuals form their self-concept based on how they believe others perceive them. In the context of the business owner feeling less capable after an accident, this reaction can be understood through the idea that the individual may internalize the perception that others view them as diminished or weakened due to their accident. This shift in self-perception can lead to feelings of inadequacy or diminished self-worth. The looking-glass self emphasizes the social nature of identity formation, where personal feelings and beliefs about oneself are significantly influenced by social interactions and perceived judgments from others.

In contrast, strain theory focuses on how societal pressures can lead to deviance or a breakdown in social norms, rather than personal self-perception following accidents. The dramaturgical approach analyzes social interactions as performances in everyday life, emphasizing the roles individuals play in front of others but does not specifically address self-perception following personal experiences. Lastly, psychosexual theory of development primarily addresses the stages of childhood development and their impact on personality, rather than situational responses related to accidents or personal identity.