1.2.2 Self-psychology

Self-Psychology:

Self-concept:

Self-concept is how an individual sees themselves in a given state. Self-concept includes an individual’s ability and beliefs, which are true to their capacity. Self-concept depends on many factors, including age, sexual orientation, religion, and beliefs (Kravets & Korobkinaa, 2022). Self-concept is also comprised of self-esteem and self-image, meaning they dictate a person’s worth in a given situation.

Self-esteem:

Self-esteem is the dictation of how a person feels about themselves; usually, the value and worth a person hold to themselves. Self-esteem can be high or low, depending on the level of energy they are viewed. High self-esteem involves a willingness to learn new things, developing coping mechanisms under pressure, emotional stability, and happiness to share ideas and experiences. Low self-esteem is a negative, draining energy that makes people think they are awful.

Self-image:

Self-image is how an individual sees their physical and mental state. Depending on their experiences, an individual’s self-image builds over time (Kravets & Korobkinaa, 2022). Positive self-image includes the feeling of confidence, positive comparison, and positive feedback from other peers. Early childhood experiences and life events contribute to a person’s self-image; therefore, a person is likely to become what they have made to believe over time.  

Self-Recognition and Personal Identity

Self-recognition is the ability to notice oneself separate from others. Self refers to various elements, including physical, emotional, and psychological traits (Kilroy, 2021). Physical recognition is the possession of the material embodiment of a person so that a person can be aware of how they are. Self-recognition occurs in stages, with face recognition occurring from 18-24 months (Kilroy, 2021). Thus, attributes of self can be either physical or psychological depending on how a person first views themselves. The ability to self-recognize depends on each person and is an attribute different according to personality and environment subjected to growth (Kilroy, 2021). Thus, self-recognition builds confidence as a person grows, which is essential in establishing positive self-esteem.

Personal identity is about how an individual views themselves as different from others around them. The major distinguishing factors include hobbies, interests, education, and personality traits. Personal traits are also attributed to a person’s growth because as they grow, their interests develop, and they identify themselves as unique or with specific characteristics in terms of choices and preferences. Psychologists such as John Locke describes personal identity as a psychological continuity in which, at every stage, a person realizes who they are and what they would like to associate with. Therefore, personal identity also ensures that a person becomes more confident in themselves as they realize that they are unique compared to others.

References:

(1) Kilroy, E. (2021). Self-Recognition. In: Volkmar, F.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, Cham.

(2) Kravets, M., & Korobkina, T. (2022). History of the “self-concept” development. Collection of scientific papers «SCIENTIA,» (November 11, 2022; Vilnius, Lithuania), 183-185.