Which principle suggests that our interactions are influenced by our desire for positive self-image?

The principle that suggests our interactions are influenced by our desire for a positive self-image is best represented by Cooley's Looking Glass Self. This concept posits that individuals form their self-concepts based on their perceptions of how others view them. According to this theory, people see themselves reflected in the reactions and opinions of others, like a mirror, leading to changes in self-perception depending on whether these reflections are positive or negative. This means that individuals are motivated to act in ways that will elicit favorable responses from others, ultimately seeking validation and a positive self-image through social interactions.

While other options relate to social dynamics and identity, they do not specifically emphasize the connection between self-image and social interactions as clearly as Cooley's theory does. For instance, Role Theory focuses on the expectations associated with social roles, and Labeling Theory examines how being labeled can influence an individual's self-identity and behavior. Social Identity Theory, on the other hand, describes how group membership influences self-concept and behaviors, but it doesn’t capture the reflective aspect of self-image formation tied directly to the perceptions of others in the immediate social environment as effectively.