Self-concept /self Perception B y: Ibne Amin (INS ),Khyber Medical university
Introduction Self Concept is an individual conceptualization about how one thinks about himself or herself. It is a subjective sense of unconscious and conscious thoughts, attitude and perceptions. Self concept provides a frame of reference that effects the management of all situations and relationship with others.
Objectives At the end of this unit, learners will be able to: 1. Define self perception/ self concept pattern. 2. Describe the functions of self and self concept 3. Discuss how self concept develops through out the life span 4. Discuss factors that can effect self concept 5. Identify possible manifestation of altered self concept 6. Apply nursing process for a person with an altered self concept
Definition of Self Concept Self concept is an individuals identity about how one thinks about himself or herself. It means how one thinks or how one feels about himself or herself. (By Dougles “1966”) S elf-concept i s one’s mental image of oneself Self concept is the way we picture ourselves including our traits and values.
Self-Concept /Self Perception The set of beliefs that we hold about who we are is called the self concept. It can also be defined as the sum total of an individual’s beliefs about his or her own personal attributes. It is basically the individuals image of the kind of person he or she is. Especially included in this are the awareness of being (What I am) and awareness of function (What I can do).
Self-Concept /Self Perception Perception: the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses Self-Perception: is one's self-concept, self-knowledge, selfesteem, & self-assessments in order to define one's self-schemas Self-Schema: refers to the beliefs and ideas people have about themselves Self Concept: A self-concept is a reflection of the reactions of others towards an individual
The Role of the “Self” Self: A person's essential being that distinguishes them from others, especially considered as the object of introspection Capacity for self-reflection is necessary for self-understanding Private, “Inner” Self Public, “Outer” Self
The ABCs of the Self The self concept includes 1.Cognitive aspect 2. Behavioral aspect 3. Affective aspect
COGNITIVE ASPECT: SELF SCHEMA Self schemas are “cognitive generalizations about the self, derived from past experience, that organize and guide the processing of self-related information” How do we come to know ourselves, develop a selfconcept, and maintain a stable sense of identity?
AFFECTIVE/EVALUATIVE ASPECT : SELF ESTEEM “self esteem reflects the perceived difference between an individual’s actual self concept (who I think I really am) and some ideal self image (who I would really like to be).” How do we evaluate ourselves, enhance our self-images, and defend against threats to our self-esteem? William James (1890) expressed the relationship this way. Self esteem= success/pretension Pretension (ideals against which individuals assess their actual self image)
BEHAVIORALASPECT : SELF PERCEPTION How do we regulate our actions and present ourselves according to interpersonal demands? Darl Bem (1972) influential self perception theory reflects we observe our behavior and the situation in which it took place, make attributions about why the behavior occurred, and draw conclusions about our own characteristic and disposition. In other words we come to understand ourselves the same way we perceive and understand others.
Johari Window Known by self Unknown by Self Known by other OPEN ARENA BLIND SPOT Unknown byother FACADE HIDDEN UNKNOWN
Mechanism of Self Concept There are three mechanisms of self concept, Ideal Self} Real Self}………………Positive self concept Public Self} Characteristics of a Positive Self-Concept Self-confidence Ability to accept criticism and not become defensive Setting obtainable goals Willingness to take risks and try new experiences
Components of Self-Concept A positive self concept gives a sense of meaning, wholeness, and consistency. It has following components: Self Identity Body Image Role Performance Self esteem
Interrelationship of Components of Self-Concept
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Components of Self-Concept 1.Self Identity A sense of personal identity is what sets one person apart as a unique individual. Identity includes a person’s name, gender, ethnic identity, family status, occupation, and roles. One’s personal identity begins to develop during childhood and is constantly reinforced and modified throughout life.
Components of Self-Concept 2.Body Image Body image is an attitude about one’s physical attributes and characteristics, appearance, and performance. Body image is dynamic because any change in body structure or function, including the normal changes of growth and development, can affect it.
Components of Self-Concept 3. Self-esteem Self-esteem is the judgement of personal performance compared with self-ideal. Self-esteem is derived from a sense of giving and receiving love, and being respected by others. Self-ideal serves as an internal regulator to support self-respect and self-esteem Two sources for esteem are self and others . A person develops high self-esteem when he or She receives positive Feed back from both Self and others.
Components of Self-Concept
Components of Self-Concept 4. Role Performance Role refers to a set of expected behaviors determined by familial, cultural, and social norms. The level of self-esteem is dependent upon the selfperception of adequate role performance in these various social roles. Stressors Affecting Role Performance Role Overload Role Conflict Whenever a person is unable to fulfill role responsibilities, self-concept is impaired.
Dimension of Self-Concept Self-knowledge — “Who am I?” Self-Expectation — “Who or what do I want to be?” Social Self – How person perceived by others? Self-Evaluation — “How well do I like myself?”
Self-knowledge Global Self : is the term used to describe the composite of all basic facts, qualities, traits, images and feelings one holds about oneself. It includes: 1 . Basic facts: sex, age, race, occupation, cultural background, sexual orientation 2. Person’s position with social groups 3. Qualities or traits that describe typical behaviours, feelings, moods and other characteristics (generous, hot-headed , ambitious, intelligent etc)
Self-Expectation Involves the “ideal” self --- the self a person wants to be. It is the setting of present and future goals. Expectations for self flow from various sources. The ideal self constitutes the self one want to be. Self expectations develop unconsciously early in childhood and are based on image of role models such as parents Self-Ideal is the perception of behavior based on personal standards and self-expectations.
Social Self Social self is how a person perceived by others and society. The Self in a Social Context/background They focus on explaining an individual's actions within a group/society It investigates the question of how the personal self relates to the social environment
Self-Evaluation Self esteem is the evaluative and affective component of self concept The appraisal of oneself in relationship to others, events, or situations. Maslow’s Subsets of Esteem Needs: Self-esteem (strength, achievement, mastery, competence, ..) Respect needs or the need for esteem from others
Development of Self-Concept Self-concept evolves throughout life and depends to an extent on an individual’s developmental level. Formation of Self-Concept Infant learns physical self different from environment. If basic needs are met, child has positive feelings of self. Child internalizes others people’s attitudes toward self. Child or adult internalizes standards of society.
Stages in Development of Self Self-awareness (Newborn (28-Days)infancy=1year) Self-recognition (18 months) Toddler and Self-definition (3 years) Preschooler Self-concept (6 to7years) School Age Adolescence Adulthood Stages
DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-CONCEPT Various psychosocial theories have been developed to explain the development of self-concept. A discussion of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development related to self-concept are follow. Erikson’s Theory Erikson’s (1963) psychosocial theory states that an individual’s development proceeds throughout life. Each of his eight developmental stages includes psychosocial tasks that need to be mastered.
Factors Affecting Self-perception Altered Health Status Experience Developmental considerations Heredity & Culture Internal and external resources History of success and failure Crisis or life stressors & coping Aging, illness, or trauma
Obtaining a Client History of Self-Concept How would you describe yourself? How do others describe you? What has been your greatest accomplishment? How does this make you feel? When you receive praise, do you feel worthy of it? What do you admire most about yourself? How do you react when you experience failure? How do you cope with failure? Have you experienced past or recent changes in body image, self- esteem, or role performance? Have you experienced feelings of powerlessness or hopelessness? Who do you consider your support group? What do you do to make yourself laugh
Nursing Diagnosis Disturbed Body Image Parental Role Conflict Disturbed Personal Identity Ineffective Role Performance Chronic Low Self-Esteem Situational Low Self-Esteem Disturbed Personal Identity Anxiety Social Isolation Hopelessness Powerlessness R isk for Compromised Human Dignity Risk for Loneliness
Activities/Helping Patients Maintain Sense of Self Communicate worth with looks, speech, and judicious touch. Acknowledge patient status, role, and individuality. Speak to patient respectfully. Offer simple explanations for procedures. Move patient’s body respectfully if necessary. Respect patient’s privacy and sensibilities. Acknowledge and allow expression of negative feelings. Help patients recognize strengths and explore alternatives.
Conti … The following are activities that the nurse can teach the client to engage in to increase one’s self-esteem: Taking good care of self Taking time to do enjoyable activities Spending time with people that make you feel good about yourself Learning something new Forgiving yourself Doing something nice for someone else Positive self-talk Giving yourself rewards
Self Concept and Nursing Process Assessment: Observe for behavior that suggest an alteration in the client’s self concept. Assess the client’s cultural background. Determine the client’s feelings and perceptions about changes in body image, self esteem or role Assess the quality of the clients relationship. Assess the client’s coping skills. 37
Self Concept and Nursing Process Nursing Diagnosis Although their multiple nursing diagnosis label for altered self concept the following list provides examples of self concept, related nursing diagnosis. Impaired adjustment. Anxiety Disturbed body image. Caregiver role strain
Self Concept and Nursing Process Decisional conflict. Ineffective coping. Fear Hopelessness Low self esteem Risk for loneliness Ineffective sexuality pattern Risk for self directed violence.
Self Concept and Nursing Process Planning: Select therapies that strengthen or maintain the client’s coping skills. Involve the client to ensure that realistic therapies are chosen. Minimize stressors affecting the clients self concept.
Self Concept and Nursing Process Implementation As with all the step of the nursing process, a therapeutic nurse client relationship is central to the implementation phase. Once the goal and outcome criteria have been developed, the nurse considers nursing interventions for promoting a healthy self concept and helping the client move towards the goals.
Health Promotion: The nurse may work with clients to help them develop healthy life style behaviors that contribute to positive self concept. To facilitate the client for adequate sleep and rest and stress reducing practices may make health self concept. E.g. Guided imaginary. 42
References Sandy L. Brook introduction to nursing self concept, 3 rd edition. Michael A Bettman FACRS “Self Esteem article” 1960. Thomas Fuller Ph.D/MCPR “Teaching and Learning” 1955. John Jackson M.D “Manual of nursing research 6 th edition. Bell state university school of nursing (2001). Clinical preceptor information, retrieved March 5, 2003.