SELF CONCCEPTS

Self-Concept and Identity

Definition

  • Self-concept: An individual's conscious sense of self, encompassing self-worth and body image (Taylor et al., 2023).

Objectives

  • Describe self-concept and dimensions.

  • Identify major steps in the development of self-concept.

  • Identify bases of self-esteem and self-evaluation feelings.

  • Explain the formation of self-concept.

  • Identify factors influencing self-concept.

  • Apply the nursing process to alterations in self-concept.

Self-Concept and Maslow's Hierarchy

  • Self-esteem: The need to feel good about oneself and to perceive positive regard from others.

  • Self-actualization: The need to reach one's full potential through development of unique capabilities.

Dimensions of Self-Concept

  1. Self Knowledge: "Who am I?"

  2. Self-expectation: "Who or what do I want to be?"

  3. Self-evaluation: "How well do I like myself?"

Bases of Self-Esteem

  • Significance: Feeling loved or approved by significant people.

  • Competence: Performance of important tasks.

  • Virtue: Attainment of moral-ethical standards.

  • Power: Ability to influence one's life and choices.

Major Self-Evaluation Feelings

  • Pride: Based on a positive self-evaluation.

  • Guilt: Based on behaviors incongruent with the ideal self.

  • Shame: Related to global self-worth.

Formation of Self-Concept

  • Infants recognize their physical differences from the environment.

  • Internalization of others' attitudes occurs during childhood.

  • Standards of society are internalized by children and adults.

Factors Affecting Self-Concept

  • Developmental level.

  • Cultural influences.

  • Internal and external resources.

  • History of success and failure.

  • Life crises or stressors.

  • Aging, illness, trauma.

Nursing Process for Alterations in Self-Concept

Assessment

  • Personal Identity: "How would you describe yourself to others?"

  • Personal Strengths: "What are some things you do well?"

  • Body Image: "What do you like most/least about your body?"

  • Self-Esteem: "How satisfied are you with yourself?"

  • Role Performance: "How do you feel about your ability to meet role expectations?"

Diagnosis

  • Disturbed Body Image.

  • Low Self Esteem (risk for chronic/situational).

  • Ineffective Role Performance.

Disturbed Body Image

  • Associated with loss of body part/function, disfigurement, and developmental changes.

  • Key questions include feelings about body and desired changes.

Low Self-Esteem

  • Linked to unhealthy relationships, unmet developmental milestones, and a sense of powerlessness.

  • Questions to assess feelings about oneself and relationships.

Ineffective Role Performance

  • Related to loss of valued roles and inability to meet role expectations.

  • Assess the importance of roles and confidence in fulfilling role demands.