Although self-inference processes -- the ways individuals make judgments about themselves -- have been studied in social psychology and sociology for many years, a distinct literature on this topic has not emerged due to the diversity of relevant issues. The editors of this current volume cull recent social psychological research and theory on self-inference processes and identify some of the common themes in this area of study.

The specific topics covered in this volume include:

how people infer their emotions, personality traits, and body images from relevant information

* factors influencing the self-concept, identity, and self-standards

* the impact of self-inferences on interpersonal relations

* conditions motivating escape from the self

The book is written for researchers and graduate level students in clinical, social, developmental, health, and personality psychology.