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Fundamentals of Nursing

Introduction

Fundamentals of NursingIntroduction
Figure 32.1 Thoughts and feelings about ourselves shape what is known as self-concept. (credit: modification of “mirror image” by Clare Black/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Chapter Outline

Introduction

Self-concept is an important aspect of patient care. Patients with a positive self-concept are more likely to participate in care and health prevention, have more engagement in self-care, and have better self-management of chronic diseases (Alqahtani & Alqahtani, 2022). A healthy self-concept is also important for nurses to successfully perform in their role. While a healthy self-concept is developed and maintained throughout the life span, there are many factors that can affect self-concept. This chapter introduces the foundations of self-concept, including its components, measurement, and development. It also discusses psychological, physiological, cultural, and behavioral factors affecting a healthy self-concept. A good understanding of self-concept can help the nurse better understand a patient’s cognitive, behavioral, and psychological processes and provide more patient-centered care.

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