Character Self-Conception
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A Character Self-Conception is a self-perceived identity framework that emphasizes an individual's or agent's moral and behavioral qualities, shaping how they view their personality traits and ethical orientations.
- Context:
- It can guide the individual’s sense of “who I am,” focusing on character virtues (e.g., honesty, courage) or flaws (e.g., impatience, pride).
- It can influence everyday behavior by providing an internal narrative about how one should act or react in various situations.
- It can form the basis for consistent moral decision-making, as individuals strive to act in accordance with their own character ideal.
- It can evolve over time as the individual reevaluates personal strengths, weaknesses, and moral responsibilities.
- It can integrate feedback from social interactions, cultural norms, or personal reflection to refine or solidify the sense of character.
- It can serve as a motivating factor for personal growth, prompting individuals to align their actions with their self-ascribed traits (e.g., “I am a responsible person, so I should keep my promises”).
- …
- It can range from being a Static Character Self-Conception (relatively fixed set of traits) to being a Dynamic Character Self-Conception (open to growth and change).
- It can range from being a Private Character Self-Conception (kept mostly internal) to a Public Character Self-Conception (actively displayed in social contexts).
- …
- Example(s):
- “[I see myself as a compassionate helper],” fueling volunteer work or caregiving roles.
- “[I am a disciplined achiever],” shaping study habits and career pursuits.
- “[I am a rebellious free spirit],” influencing nonconformist attitudes and lifestyle choices.
- “[I am a loyal friend and confidant],” guiding interpersonal relationships and trust-building behaviors.
- Counter-Example(s):
- Self-Label, such as calling oneself “shy” or “outgoing,” which might not fully capture a deeper moral or ethical dimension—thus lacking the holistic or moral-based framework of a character self-conception.
- Situational Role Conception, such as “host of a party” or “student in a class,” because these focus on context-specific functions rather than enduring character qualities.
- Persona, which can be a social mask or performance rather than an internalized moral-ethical self-view.
- External Feedback or Reputation alone, as it may merely reflect others’ impressions rather than the individual’s own internalized character conception.
- See: Self-Concept, Moral Identity, Role Identity, Personal Narrative, Personality Trait.