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32.1 Foundations of Self-Concept

Our personal identity and self-concept, according to Rogers, develops throughout the life span beginning in childhood and is molded by experiences, perceptions, and evaluation of others. The primary components of self-concept are fundamental in developing personal identity, body image, self-esteem, and role performance.

Trying to understand how people see themselves and how this can change in different situations can be challenging. To do this well, it is suggested to use different methods, consider how the study relates to real-life situations, and make sure the study is as close to a natural setting as possible. There are a variety of tools available, depending on the patient situation, that the provider can use to accomplish this. Understanding oneself is crucial for healthy functioning and promoting realistic decision-making regarding key aspects of life.

Just as forming strong connections is a crucial milestone in infancy, a significant step in childhood is developing a positive sense of self. Formation of a positive self-concept begins in Erikson’s toddlerhood stage, when children establish autonomy and become confident in their abilities. Development of self-concept continues in elementary school, when children compare themselves to others. Self-concept is reevaluated in Erikson’s adolescence stage, as teens form an identity. They internalize the messages they have received regarding their strengths and weaknesses, keeping some messages and rejecting others.

32.2 Factors Affecting Self-Concept

As individuals grow and change across their life spans, many factors affect their self-concepts, including psychological, physiological, cultural, and behavioral influences. Processes like developmental changes and aging affect individuals’ bodies and minds, changing how they perceive themselves and the world. More personal experiences, such as failure, success, stress, grief, and illness, can have both positive and negative impacts on individuals’ mental and physical processes. Personality traits help determine whether individuals approach life with a positive or negative outlook, and cultural influences, including social media, impact individuals’ perspectives of themselves and the world. Any of these factors may affect any component of self-concept, including self-esteem, self-image, self-identity, and social identity, motivating changes in overall self-concept.

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