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actual self
the attributes that an individual believes they possess, based on personal information as well as input from others
acute stress
short-term stress encountered in daily life
agreeableness
one of the Big Five personality traits; includes characteristics such as empathy, respectfulness, and ability to trust others
Bandura’s self-efficacy theory of motivation
individuals with a high sense of self-efficacy have a great deal of self-confidence based on their mastery in previous situations and the positive feedback they received about their performance
body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
a mental health condition characterized by obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in physical appearance that are not observable or appear minor to others
body image
a component of self-concept that reflects an individual’s perception and evaluation of their physical appearance, based on societal standards, cultural norms, and personal experiences
chronic stress
ongoing stress caused by long-term problems
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
a structured talk therapy that focuses on problematic thinking and behaviors and helps to create healthy thinking, behaviors, and coping skills
competence
the degree of effectiveness and proficiency individuals perceive in themselves
conscientiousness
one of the Big Five personality traits; includes characteristics such as self-discipline, goal setting, productivity, and competence
episodic acute stress
stress that happens routinely, causing ongoing frustration
extroversion
one of the Big Five personality traits; includes characteristics such as sociability and openness
false self
pretending to be someone we are not
global self
idea that we are all part of a collective being, or global family, and our actions have far-reaching impacts
ideal self
attributes that individuals aspire to possess
identity confusion
occurs in response to grief when individuals feel that part of themselves also died when their loved one died
impostor syndrome
a psychological pattern in which individuals doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments and have a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud”
neuroticism
one of the Big Five personality traits; focuses on emotional stability
openness to experience
one of the Big Five personality traits; includes characteristics such as creativity and intellectual curiosity
ought self
the internalized expectations and standards that individuals believe they should or must adhere to in order to meet external demands, social norms, or moral obligations
personal identity
a component of self-concept that involves the sense of individuality, including personal traits and beliefs, that distinguishes a person from others
power
an individual’s perception of their ability to influence or control outcomes, resources, or other individuals within their social environment
reflected appraisal
the influence on our self-concept based on what others think of us
role performance
how individuals perceive and execute their roles in different contexts within the family, work, or social environment
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
a widely used self-report instrument for evaluating individual self-esteem
self-awareness
being able to recognize and understand one’s own emotions
self-concept
the organized and consistent set of perceptions and beliefs an individual holds about themselves; includes an individual’s self-esteem, self-image, self-identity, and social identity
self-efficacy
an individual’s belief that they can control their own capabilities and circumstances to achieve success
self-esteem
the overall positive or negative evaluation of oneself that reflects an individual’s feelings of self-worth and confidence
self-evaluation
the process by which individuals evaluate their own thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and overall sense of self
self-expectation
an individual’s perspective on what they should do, think, or feel
self-identity
personal characteristics, roles, and affiliations that define an individual
self-image
the mental and emotional view of one’s physical appearance and abilities
self-knowledge
a philosophical term used to identify how individuals perceive their mental state, based on emotions, personality traits, relationships, behavioral patterns, opinions, beliefs, values, needs, goals, preferences, and social identity
self-perception
how individuals perceive themselves in terms of their abilities, competencies, and characteristics
self-reflection
thoughtful contemplation about one’s actions, motivations, and personal growth, based on the evaluation of one’s values, goals, and standards
social comparison theory
process of evaluating ourselves in comparison to others and using those judgments to influence our self-concept
social identity
concept of self that is formed through connections with societal groups
symbolic interactionism
a model positing that the way we see ourselves is influenced by how others see us
virtue
the moral dimension of self-evaluation, encompassing individuals’ reflections on their character, values, and ethical conduct
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