Self-Conception

A Self-Conception is an identity conception that integrates personal beliefs and self perceptions into a dynamic framework (to understand oneself across time and contexts).

• Context:
  • It can integrate Self Beliefs and Self Attitudes into personal understanding.
  • It can maintain Self Knowledge through cognitive processes.
  • It can develop Self Schemas across life domains.
  • It can evaluate Self Worth through reflective processes.
  • It can adapt Self Image based on life experiences.
  • It can modify Self Understanding through social interactions.
  • It can shape Personal Choices through self beliefs.
  • It can guide Social Navigation through identity expression.
  • It can influence Personal Goals through self understanding.
  • It can direct Life Decisions through self knowledge.
  • ...
  • It can construct Future Self through aspirations and goals.
  • It can process Social Feedback through self reflection.
  • It can incorporate Cultural Values into self view.
  • It can translate Life Experiences into self meaning.
  • It can maintain Self Coherence across situations.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Conscious Self-Conception to being an Unconscious Self-Conception, depending on its awareness level.
  • It can range from being a Stable Self-Conception to being a Dynamic Self-Conception, depending on its change pattern.
  • It can range from being a Unified Self-Conception to being a Fragmented Self-Conception, depending on its integration level.
  • It can range from being a Private Self-Conception to being a Public Self-Conception, depending on its social expression.
  • It can range from being an Authentic Self-Conception to being an Adopted Self-Conception, depending on its originality source.
  • ...
  • It can facilitate Self Growth through reflective awareness.
  • It can organize Life Experiences into coherent narratives.
  • It can balance Inner Experiences with outer presentations.
  • It can evolve through developmental stages and life transitions.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Representational Self-Conceptions (for mental images), such as:
    • Body Self-Conceptions like perceiving oneself as physically fit or attractive.
    • Professional Self-Conceptions like viewing oneself as competent worker or effective leader.
    • Social Self-Conceptions like seeing oneself as extroverted or introverted.
  • Evaluative Self-Conceptions (for self assessments), such as:
    • Esteem Self-Conceptions like having high self-esteem or low self-esteem.
    • Worth Self-Conceptions like feeling valued or inadequate.
    • Capability Self-Conceptions like being confident or uncertain.
  • Identity Self-Conceptions (for self definitions), such as:
    • Personal Self-Conceptions like being creative minded or ambitious nature.
    • Role Self-Conceptions like being a parent role or teacher role.
    • Group Self-Conceptions like identifying with national culture or religious beliefs.
  • Character Self-Conceptions (for moral selfs), such as:
    • Ethical Self-Conceptions like being honest nature or responsible person.
    • Value Self-Conceptions like being compassionate soul or principled individual.
    • Virtue Self-Conceptions like being kind hearted or fair minded.
  • Future Self-Conceptions (for possible selfs), such as:
    • Aspiration Self-Conceptions like becoming successful person or fulfilled individual.
    • Fear Self-Conceptions like becoming failed self or rejected person.
    • Hope Self-Conceptions like achieving ideal self or best version.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Public Reputation, which reflects external perceptions rather than self understanding.
  • Social Role, which defines position functions rather than personal meaning.
  • Personality Type, which categorizes behavioral patterns rather than self interpretation.
  • Identity Label, which applies external categorys rather than internal conception.
  • Behavioral Profile, which describes action patterns rather than self meaning.
• See: Self Perception Theory, Self Assessment, Self-Schema, Gender Roles, Racial Identity, Self-Awareness, Attitude (Psychology), Dispositions, Self-Knowledge (Psychology), Self-Esteem, Self-Image, Self-Esteem, Self-Identity, Personal Identity, Social Identity, Self-Reflection, Self-Awareness, Cognitive Psychology, Human Self-Reflection.

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References

2024-12-29

• Perplexity.ai
  • Question: What is self-concept? Please explain its components, development, and impact on human behavior and psychology.
  • Answer: A self-concept is the comprehensive mental representation of who we are - a dynamic system of beliefs, attitudes, and opinions that individuals hold about themselves, encompassing psychological and physical characteristics, qualities, skills, roles, and personal attributes that answer the fundamental question "Who am I?".
    • Core Components:
      • Cognitive Elements:
        • The cognitive aspect involves self-knowledge and beliefs about one's attributes.
        • Forms self-schemas - ideas about oneself in particular dimensions.
        • Includes personality traits, abilities, occupations, and hobbies.
      • Evaluative Elements:
        • Interacts with self-esteem to shape self-perception.
        • Influences personal identity and social identity.
        • Affects how people believe others perceive them.
    • Structure and Development:
      • Formation begins in early childhood.
      • Evolves throughout life based on:
        • Personal experiences.
        • Social interactions.
        • Cultural influences.
        • Individual achievements and setbacks.
    • Related Constructs:
      • Self-esteem:
        • Focuses on evaluative judgments about self-worth.
      • Self-awareness:
        • Relates to recognition of current thoughts and feelings.
      • Self-efficacy:
        • Concerns belief in ability to perform specific tasks.
      • Self-image:
        • Emphasizes visual and physical self-perception.
  • Citations:

[1] https://www.astermentalhealth.com/what-is-self-concept-in-psychology/
[2] https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-concept.html
[3] https://www.lifebulb.com/blogs/understanding-self-concept
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ego_(psychoanalysis)
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4346517/
[6] https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/PaA0mLVQd3k/hqdefault.webp
[7] https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-concept-2795865
[8] https://dictionary.apa.org/self-concept

2024

• (Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-concept Retrieved:2024-6-9.
  • In the psychology of self, one's self-concept (also called self-construction, self-identity, self-perspective or self-structure) is a collection of beliefs about oneself. Generally, self-concept embodies the answer to the question "Who am I?".

    The self-concept is distinguishable from self-awareness, which is the extent to which self-knowledge is defined, consistent, and currently applicable to one's attitudes and dispositions. Self-concept also differs from self-esteem: self-concept is a cognitive or descriptive component of one's self (e.g. "I am a fast runner"), while self-esteem is evaluative and opinionated (e.g. "I feel good about being a fast runner").

    Self-concept is made up of one's self-schemas, and interacts with self-esteem, self-knowledge, and the social self to form the self as a whole. It includes the past, present, and future selves, where future selves (or possible selves) represent individuals' ideas of what they might become, what they would like to become, or what they are afraid of becoming. Possible selves may function as incentives for certain behaviour.

    The perception people have about their past or future selves relates to their perception of their current selves. The temporal self-appraisal theory argues that people have a tendency to maintain a positive self-evaluation by distancing themselves from their negative self and paying more attention to their positive one. In addition, people have a tendency to perceive the past self less favourably (e.g. "I'm better than I used to be") and the future self more positively (e.g. "I will be better than I am now").

2024

• Perplexity
  • Self-conception, also known as self-concept, refers to an individual's comprehensive understanding and perception of themselves. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, attributes, and evaluations about one's own identity, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. This concept is central to how individuals perceive and evaluate themselves, influencing their behavior, emotions, and interactions with others.
  • Key Aspects of Self-Conception
    1. **Existential Self**: This is the fundamental awareness of being a distinct and separate entity from others. It begins to develop in infancy as children recognize their own existence and continuity over time and space[1].
    2. **Self-Image**: This refers to the mental picture individuals have of themselves, including physical appearance and personal traits. It is shaped by personal experiences, interactions with others, and societal influences[1][2].
    3. **Ideal Self**: This is the person an individual aspires to become, embodying their goals, values, and aspirations. It represents the attributes and qualities one wishes to possess[1][7].
    4. **Self-Esteem**: This is the evaluative aspect of self-conception, reflecting how much individuals value themselves. It includes judgments about one's worth and can significantly impact overall self-concept[2][7].
    5. **Self-Schemas**: These are individual concepts of particular aspects of the self, such as personality traits, skills, and roles. A collection of self-schemas forms the overall self-concept[3][6].
  • Development and Maintenance: Self-conception develops through experiences, interactions, and reflections, starting from early childhood and continuing throughout life. It is influenced by feedback from others, personal achievements, and societal standards. While relatively stable in adulthood, self-conception can change based on new experiences and self-reflection[2][6].
  • Theoretical Perspectives
    • **Carl Rogers**: Rogers identified three components of self-concept: self-image, self-esteem, and the ideal self. He emphasized the importance of congruence between self-image and the ideal self for achieving self-actualization[6][7].
    • **Roy Baumeister**: Baumeister described self-concept as a knowledge structure that includes beliefs about oneself and is influenced by self-evaluation and social interactions[2][5].
  • Importance: A well-developed self-conception is crucial for mental well-being, guiding behavior, choices, and relationships. It helps individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and navigate social environments effectively[1][5][7].
  • Citations:

[1] https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-concept.html
[2] https://positivepsychology.com/self-concept/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-concept
[4] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-conception
[5] https://www.betterup.com/blog/self-concept
[6] https://www.thoughtco.com/self-concept-psychology-4176368
[7] https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-concept-2795865
[8] https://dictionary.apa.org/self-concept

2020

• (Wikipedia, 2020) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-concept Retrieved:2020-1-6.
  • One's self-concept (also called self-construction, self-identity, self-perspective or self-structure) is a collection of beliefs about oneself. Generally, self-concept embodies the answer to "Who am I?". ...

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