Closing Thoughts on Self-Concept, Self-Perception, and Self-Esteem

A set of practice flashcards covering definitions and key concepts related to self-concept, self-perception theory, social and cultural perspectives, and strategies for enhancing self-esteem.

What is the self-concept?

The collection of beliefs, perceptions, and evaluations about oneself, including physical attributes, personality, values, roles, and social identities.

What is self-awareness?

The ability to recognize and understand one’s own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; monitor internal states; reflect on goals and aspirations.

What is self-esteem?

One’s overall evaluation of worth and capabilities; includes feelings of self-worth, confidence, and acceptance; high self-esteem is linked to resilience, while low self-esteem can lead to self-doubt.

What is social identity?

The part of the self-concept derived from membership in social groups (e.g., gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, occupation).

How do interpersonal relationships influence the self?

Feedback from family, friends, peers, and partners shapes self-concept and self-esteem and contributes to belonging and identity development.

What are developmental influences on the self?

Influences across the lifespan, including early childhood experiences, family dynamics, culture, and societal norms that shape self-concept and identity development.

What are cognitive processes in self-understanding?

Processes like introspection, self-reflection, and self-regulation that evaluate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, set goals, and monitor progress (subject to biases and distortions).

Which ancient philosophers contributed to self-study and what were their ideas?

Socrates emphasized self-knowledge (“Know thyself”); Plato and Aristotle explored the soul and rationality as elements of the self.

How did Augustine and Aquinas influence the self?

Medieval Christian thinkers: Augustine’s Confessions explored sin and self, while Aquinas integrated Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology to understand the soul.

What is Descartes’ contribution to the self?

Cogito, ergo sum (“I think, therefore I am”); a mind–body dualism that laid groundwork for modern inquiry into the self.

What did Freud contribute to understanding the self?

Psychoanalytic theory focusing on the unconscious mind and the dynamic id, ego, and superego, highlighting early childhood’s role in self-development.

What did Carl Rogers emphasize in self-understanding?

Self-concept and unconditional positive regard as foundations for psychological growth.

What did Maslow propose about self-actualization?

A hierarchy of needs culminating in self-actualization, representing the peak of personal growth and fulfillment.

What does Symbolic Interactionism say about the self?

The self is formed through social interactions and symbolic communication, involving role-taking, social comparison, and self-reflection within social contexts.

What does Social Identity Theory say about the self?

Self-concept and self-esteem are shaped by group membership and social categorization, providing a framework for belonging and collective action.

What does Intersectionality Theory say about the self?

It recognizes the interconnectedness of multiple identities (e.g., race, gender, class, sexuality) and how their intersections influence experiences, self-concept, and access to resources.

What is Narrative Identity Theory?

The idea that storytelling and life narratives organize past experiences, present circumstances, and future aspirations into a cohesive sense of self.

What is Self-Concept Clarity (SCC)?

The degree to which individuals have a clear, stable, and consistent understanding of themselves.

What is Self-Perception Theory (Bem, 1967)?

People infer their attitudes, emotions, and internal states by observing their own behavior and the context, using external cues and social context to interpret themselves.

How do external cues influence self-perception?

Feedback from others and social comparisons shape how one sees oneself and attributes meaning to behavior.

What is cognitive dissonance in self-perception?

Discomfort arising when behavior contradicts beliefs or values, prompting reassessment of self-concept.

What is continuous self-evaluation in self-perception?

A dynamic process where self-concept is continually updated through behavior, social interactions, and feedback.

What factors influence self-esteem?

Early childhood experiences, family dynamics, social interactions and peer relationships, societal norms and media, personal achievements, internal factors and coping, interpretation of self-perception, and social support.

What strategies enhance self-esteem?

Engaging in self-awareness and reflection; practicing positive self-talk and affirmations; setting and achieving realistic goals; cultivating self-compassion; building supportive relationships; developing coping skills; engaging in self-care; seeking professional support when needed.