Unit 1.1: Introduction to the Self

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the core concepts, structures, components, and outcomes of self-concept and self-esteem from Unit 1.1.

William James

An early psychological thinker who explored the stream of consciousness and the active self.

Self-Concept

A person's comprehensive collection of beliefs, schemas, and perceptions about themselves, including their attributes, capabilities, values, and roles; the cognitive picture that answers "Who am I?".

Physical Self-Concept

A dimension of self-concept concerning the perception of one's body, health, and physical appearance.

Emotional Self-Concept

A dimension of self-concept involving the awareness of one's emotional responses and regulation styles.

Social Self-Concept

A dimension of self-concept centered on understanding how one interacts with and fits into peer groups, families, and society.

Spiritual/Moral Self-Concept

A dimension of self-concept comprising core values, beliefs, and ethical stances.

Looking-Glass Self

The concept that social interactions act as a mirror, helping individuals become more aware of their unique abilities, feelings, and personality differences compared to others.

Self-Esteem

The affective or evaluative component of the self (also called self-worth or self-regard) that measures the degree to which an individual likes, accepts, approves of, or values themselves, answering "How do I feel about who I am?".

Global Self-Esteem

The overall, macro-level evaluation a person holds about themselves across all dimensions of existence, representing an enduring sense of total self-worth rather than a response to a single domain.

Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale

A standardized psychometric tool most commonly used to measure global self-esteem.

Specific Self-Esteem

Also called domain-specific self-esteem; a person's micro-evaluation of their competence, value, or performance within distinct, narrow domains of life that fluctuates based on context and environment.

Cognitive Buffers

Mental mechanisms that allow an individual to maintain stable global self-esteem despite struggling in one specific domain, provided they excel in and derive deep value from other domains.

High Self-Esteem

A state in which an individual genuinely believes they possess positive qualities, holds high regard for their overall worth, and exhibits psychological resilience, confidence, and self-acceptance.

Low Self-Esteem

A state in which an individual views themselves through a critical lens, constantly doubts their abilities, focuses heavily on perceived flaws, and experiences chronic pessimism and anxiety.

Hyper-Self-Criticalness

A critical cost of low self-esteem characterized by habitual internal negative dialogue and excessive self-blame.

Decision-Making Paralysis

A behavioral outcome of low self-esteem involving chronic second-guessing and fear of making the "wrong" choice.