Chapter 43

Self-Concept

Self-Concept
Self-concept is an individuals perception
of self and is what helps make each
individual unique.
Positive and negative self-assessments
in the physical, emotional, intellectual,
and functional dimensions change over
time.
Self-concept affects the ability to function
and greatly influences health status.

Dimensions 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. Persons position with social groups
3. Qualities or traits that describe typical
behaviours, feelings, moods and other
characteristics (generous, hot-headed ,
ambitious, intelligent, sexy

Self expectations
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 evaluation

Self esteem is the evaluative and

affective component of self concept
Maslows Subsets of Esteem Needs:
1. Self-esteem (strength, achievement,
mastery, competence, ..)
2. Respect needs or the need for esteem
from others

Components of Self-Concept

Identity
Body image
Self-esteem
Role performance

Interrelationship of Components
of Self-Concept

Components of Self-Concept
A sense of personal identity is what sets
one person apart as a unique individual.
Identity includes a persons name,
gender, ethnic identity, family status,
occupation, and roles.
Ones personal identity begins to develop
during childhood and is constantly
reinforced and modified throughout life.

Components of Self-Concept
Body image is an attitude about ones
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
Self-Ideal is the perception of behavior
based on personal standards and selfexpectations.
Self-ideal serves as an internal regulator
to support self-respect and self-esteem.

Components of Self-Concept
Self-esteem is the judgment of personal
performance compared with the selfideal.
Self-esteem is derived from a sense of
giving and receiving love, and being
respected by others.

Components of Self-Concept
Role refers to a set of expected
behaviors determined by familial,
cultural, and social norms.
The level of self-esteem is dependent
upon the self-perception of adequate role
performance in these various social
roles.

Components of Self-Concept
Stressors Affecting Role Performance
- Role overload
- Role conflict
Whenever a person is unable to fulfill role
responsibilities, self-concept is impaired.

Development of Self-Concept
Self-concept evolves throughout life and
depends to an extent on an individuals
developmental level.

Formation of Self-Concept
1. Infant learns physical self different from
environment.
2. If basic needs are met, child has positive
feelings of self.
3. Child internalizes others peoples attitudes
toward self.
4. Child or adult internalizes standards of
society.

Stages in Development of Self

Self-awareness (infancy)
Self-recognition (18 months)
Self-definition (3 years)
Self-concept (6 to 7 years)

Factors Affecting Self-Concept

Altered Health Status

Experience
Developmental considerations
Culture
Internal and external resources
History of success and failure
Crisis or life stressors
Aging, illness, or trauma

Assessment
Assess the clients strengths to be used
as a foundation on which to build
therapeutic interventions.
Maintain appropriate relationships
Care for self in order to meet basic needs
Adapt to stressors in a positive manner

Nursing Diagnoses

Disturbed Body Image

Parental Role Conflict
Disturbed Personal Identity
Ineffective Role Performance
Chronic Low Self-Esteem
Situational Low Self-Esteem

Nursing Diagnoses

Disturbed Personal Identity

Anxiety
Social Isolation
Hopelessness
Powerlessness

Implementation
Initiate Therapeutic Interaction
Support Healthy Defense Mechanisms
Ensure Satisfaction of Needs

Physical needs
Psychosocial needs

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 patients body respectfully if necessary.
Respect patients privacy and sensibilities.
Acknowledge and allow expression of negative
feelings.
Help patients recognize strengths and explore
alternatives.