Dec 6, 2023
When you think about yourself as a person, there are probably a lot of components that come to mind. These may include items such as personality traits, hobbies, relationships, and opinions. All of those things help us to address an important question: “Who am I?”.
That question is a part of the theory of Self-Concept which explores how we view ourselves. The following blog will discuss what Self-Concept is, its three components, and how you can use the theory to better understand yourself. With a greater understanding of your Self-Concept, it can help to develop healthier relationships with others and to increase your self-confidence and self-love.
What is the meaning of Self-Concept?
Self-Concept refers to the overall view, awareness, and opinions that an individual has of his or herself. The concept has a variety of components that come together to create a whole mental image of who a person is. These include parts such as:
- Physical appearance
- Skills
- Personality traits
- Social roles
- Personal values
A person’s Self-Concept tends to develop during early childhood. However, it can continue to change and shift throughout adolescence and adulthood. Influences such as peers, family, culture, and feedback can impact Self-Concept.
Self-Concept can be either positive or negative in nature. If a person has a healthy view of themself and sets realistic goals and expectations, their Self-Concept tends to be positive. When a person is overly critical of themself, their Self-Concept leans toward being more negative.
What are the different constructs of Self-Concept?
Self-Concept is the overall evaluation a person holds of his or herself including aspects such as physical appearance, skills, personality, and values. There are several other self constructs that contribute to and differ from Self-Concept as a whole. Those are defined in more detail below:
- Self-esteem: This is the emotional evaluation of one’s worth. An example of this would be a person identifying that they have people who love them or that they are worthy of that love.
- Self-image: A self-image is a person’s view of their physical appearance. This involves being able to realistically identify what they look like. If a person has a distorted view of themselves their self-image may not be accurate.
- Self-efficacy: This is an individual’s belief in their ability to complete tasks and accomplish their goals.
- Self-awareness: When a person is able to recognize their various thoughts, feelings, and beliefs they are exercising self-awareness.
If you feel as though you struggle with any of the constructs of self, an individual therapist can help you identify and address those challenges.
How does Self-Concept develop?
Self- Concept develops in early childhood and can shift throughout life. As children interact with the world around them and their caregivers they begin to create their concept of self. The more positive interactions a child has, such as approval or love, the more likely it is that their early Self-Concept will be healthy. If a child experiences a lot of criticism in their early life, it may lead to the doubt and lack of self-esteem which accompanies a negative Self-Concept.
That concept is changeable. It continues to develop in the teen years. During that time, teenagers are highly influenced by their friends and other figures such as their teachers and mentors. As they transition into adulthood, their Self-Concept continues to shift with society and culture.
What Influences Self-Concept?
There are a variety of factors which impact Self-Concept. Some of these are listed below:
- Family: Early interactions within the family significantly impact Self-Concept. Family members help with the development of beliefs about oneself.
- Peers and Mentors:The feedback and acceptance received from peers influence how individuals see themselves socially. Mentors such as teachers can help build self-esteem.
- Successes and failures: These contribute to the development of a concept of self. Positive experiences can boost confidence. Failures can lead to a negative self-image..
- Life Events: Major occasions, traumas, or accomplishments, can shape self-concept by changing individual’s opinions of their self-efficacy.
- Culture: Cultural values impact Self-Concept by shaping beliefs about identity, roles, and expectations.
- Society: Our societal values and media influence ideals related to appearance, success, and social acceptance.
- Personality Traits: These play a role in Self-Concept, as individuals may view themselves differently based on their perceived characteristics.
- Physical and mental health conditions: A person’s mental and physical health impacts their self-image. Physical challenges or conditions can contribute to a negative self-image.
- Feedback: Positive and negative feedback can create or reinforce a person’s opinion of themself.
How Can You Change Your Self-Concept?
Self-Concept can change throughout your life as you gain new experiences and influences. There are also a variety of other methods individuals can use to shift their Self-Concepts to be more positive. These include:
- Having positive experiences-the affirmation from an achievement or a positive experience can reinforce a positive Self-Concept.
- Receiving feedback and support from others- feedback, especially of a positive nature can help to build self-esteem and confidence.
- Find activities and opportunities that go with your values-participating in those activities can reinforce your views and opinions to create a stronger sense of self.
- Practice mindfulness- this practice helps to create environmental and emotional awareness. That can help with building an overall self-awareness as you are more in tune with your feelings.
- Counseling or psychotherapy help individuals to explore and change their Self-Concept with the guidance of professionals.
How does Counseling impact Self-Concept?
Self-Concept can have a large impact on your mental and physical health. Counselors can provide individual therapy to identify the parts of your Self-Concept. They can also work with shifting that concept with strategies such as identifying and breaking the cycle of negative thought patterns.
Counseling provides a safe space for individuals to address their beliefs and any doubts they might hold about themselves. Individuals can then raise questions about and challenges to those beliefs. Then they can build positive beliefs about themselves through positive reinforcement. This can boost one’s overall self-esteem and promote self-care.
To start the journey towards a more positive Self-Concept, reach out to one of our counselors today.
