Final answer:
The version of ourselves that emerges within a specific relationship is called the 'Relational self'. This concept highlights how our identities adjust based on our interactions in different relationships, forming part of a dynamic self-concept influenced by socialization and self-awareness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research shows that we embody different identities within our various relationships, molding ourselves according to the social context and dynamic of each specific relationship. The version of ourselves that emerges in a specific relationship is known as C) Relational self. This concept suggests that our sense of identity is not fixed but rather tailored to the nuances of our interactions with different individuals. Our relational selves are part of a larger, complex self-concept shaped through social experiences and the reflection of ourselves from the perspective of others, as studied by George Herbert Mead.
Understanding how these different selves come into play emphasizes the social nature of identity formation and the role that intimate relationships, self-disclosure, and reciprocity play in our social development. These aspects are crucial in the journey towards building a stable sense of self which is necessary before seeking out and maintaining intimate relationships, as proposed by theorists like Erikson.