self concept

Introduction

The concept of self, or self-concept, is a central construct in psychology, playing a crucial role in understanding human behavior, personality development, and social interactions. Despite its importance, defining and measuring self-concept has been a challenge due to its multifaceted and dynamic nature.

Key Insights

Multifaceted and Hierarchical Nature:
- Self-concept is multifaceted and hierarchical, with facets becoming more distinct with age, though the hierarchy weakens in late adolescence.
- The self-concept is a complex structure that integrates various dimensions such as motivation, attitudes, and strategic behaviors.
Stability vs. Malleability:
- Self-concept exhibits both stability and malleability. General descriptions of self-concept are stable, but significant local variations occur based on social environments .
- Individuals adjust their self-concept in response to social challenges, showing different self-perceptions when feeling unique versus similar to others .
Theoretical and Measurement Challenges:
- Defining self-concept has been difficult, with various theories offering different perspectives, often leading to circular or vague definitions .
- Measurement of self-concept is challenging due to its abstract nature and the need for precise instruments .
Role in Personality and Behavior:
- Self-concept is central to personality structure and influences behavior changes in response to events perceived as relevant to the self.
- It connects various psychological dimensions, making it a powerful construct in understanding individual differences and development.
Historical and Contemporary Perspectives:
- The self-concept has evolved from early symbolic interactionism to contemporary cognitive and social psychology, reflecting a shift from behaviorism to cognitive theories.
- Recent interest in self-concept includes its role in identity processes and psychopathological disturbances, highlighting its importance in cognitive psychology.

Conclusion

Self-concept is a multifaceted and hierarchical construct that plays a central role in personality and behavior. It exhibits both stability and malleability, adjusting to social environments. Despite its importance, defining and measuring self-concept remains challenging due to its abstract nature. The construct has evolved significantly, reflecting broader shifts in psychological theories, and continues to be a focal point in understanding identity and personality.

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Self-Concept: Its Multifaceted, Hierarchical Structure

Self-concept has a more complex structure than initially proposed, with facets becoming more distinct with age, but the hierarchy remains weak by late adolescence.

The self-concept revisited. Or a theory of a theory.

The self-concept is a complex concept that can be defined as a dynamism, but its definition remains elusive and may be dispensed with altogether.

Stability and malleability of the self-concept.

Self-concept is both stable and malleable, with individuals adjusting its perception of uniqueness and similarity to their social environment, suggesting that general self-descriptive measures are inadequate for understanding individual self-adjustment.

The Self-Concept

The self-concept has become a central concept in contemporary social psychology, influencing various theories and traditions, and is increasingly evident in attitudes, value formation, and cognitive dissonance.

Stability and malleability of the self-concept.

Self-concept is both stable and malleable, with individuals adjusting its perception of uniqueness or similarity to their social environment, suggesting that general self-descriptive measures are inadequate for understanding individual self-adjustment.

The Concept of “Self”

The concept of "self" is useful for understanding and analyzing individuals, both healthy and with psychological problems.

Self-concept: Situating the Self

Self-concept is a complex construct with potential dynamism and development, and this chapter explores its relationship to other self-related constructs and research methods.

The Role of Self Concept in Achievement

Self concept plays a crucial role in determining an individual's behavior and achievement, as it influences how they perceive and deal with themselves.

The Self Concept in Adolescence

Adolescents' self concept combines their perception of themselves, their perception of others, and their ideal of the person they wish to become.

[Self concept: toward a cognitive approach to identity disorders].

The self-concept, as the cognitive structure responsible for mental representations of oneself, offers new insights into identity processes and their psychopathologic disturbances.

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