Chapter 41: Self-Concept

Flashcards covering key vocabulary, definitions, and concepts related to self-concept, its dimensions, influencing factors, and nursing considerations based on lecture notes.

Self-concept

What makes an individual 'them'; encompasses self-image and all contributing factors.

Three Dimensions of Self-Concept

Self-knowledge, self-expectation, and self-evaluation.

Self-esteem

An individual's need to feel good about themselves and the belief that others hold them in high regard; an upper-level need in Maslow's hierarchy.

Self-actualization

The need to reach one's potential through the full development of an individual's unique capability.

Positive Self-Concept

Characterized by greater and more diversified self-knowledge, more realistic perceptions and expectations, and higher self-evaluation or self-esteem.

Negative Self-Concept

Tends to exhibit poorer self-knowledge, less realistic perceptions and expectations, and lower self-esteem.

Maslow's Subsets of Esteem Needs

Include self-esteem (strength, achievement, mastery, competence, confidence, independence, freedom) and respect needs (status, dominance, recognition, attention, importance, appreciation).

Cooper Smith's Four Bases of Self-Esteem

Significance, Competence, Virtue, and Power.

Significance (Cooper Smith)

The way people feel they are loved and approved of by important individuals in their lives (friends, family, significant others).

Competence (Cooper Smith)

The way that tasks considered important are performed; reflects a person's ability to perform a role or job effectively.

Virtue (Cooper Smith)

The attainment of moral and ethical standards.

Power (Cooper Smith)

The extent to which people influence their own and others' lives.

Ideal Self

The self one wants to be; how one envisions themselves being.

Pride (Self-evaluation feeling)

Based on a positive self-evaluation.

Guilt (Self-evaluation feeling)

Based on behaviors incongruent with the ideal self.

Shame (Self-evaluation feeling)

Associated with low global self-worth.

Formation of Self-Concept (Childhood)

Infants learn physical self is different from the environment; basic needs met lead to positive feelings; children internalize others' attitudes; children/adults internalize society's standards.

False Self

Develops in individuals who have an emotional need to respond to the needs and ambitions that significant people (like parents) have for them, often neglecting their true desires.

Stages in Development of Self

Self-awareness, self-recognition, self-definition (around 3 years), and self-concept (around 6-7 years).

Factors Affecting Self-Concept

Developmental considerations, internal and external resources, history of success and failure, crisis or life stressors, aging, illness and trauma.

Assessing Self-Concept (Nursing Focus)

Focuses on personal identity, body image, self-esteem, and role performance.

Personal Identity

Who a person is, including their various roles (e.g., mom, dad, brother, sister, husband, wife).

Body Image

A person's perceptions and feelings about their physical appearance, which can be impacted by conditions like amputation, surgical scars, burns, or illness.

Role Performance

How an individual functions in their expected roles; concerns arise if illness or disability prevents them from fulfilling these roles.

Adaptive Responses (Self-Concept)

Maintain usual social patterns, communicate needs, accept offers of help, and serve as support for others; indicative of positive coping.

Maladaptive Responses (Self-Concept)

Involve self-isolation, superficial self-confidence (lack of true confidence), inability to express needs, and manifestations of hostility, shame, frustration, or depression.

Self-Concept Continuum

A range of self-concept states, from positive self-concept and self-actualization at one end to low self-esteem, identity diffusion, dissociation, and depersonalization at the other.

Nursing Strategies to Identify Personal Strengths

Helping patients identify/use strengths, helping at-risk patients maintain sense of self, enhancing/modifying self-concept, developing positive body image, working with parents/educators to foster self-esteem.

Maintaining a Sense of Self (Patient Care)

Nurses communicate worth through looks, speech, and touch; acknowledge status, role, and individuality; speak respectfully; offer simple explanations for procedures; move patients respectfully; respect privacy; allow expression of negative feelings; and recognize patient strengths.