Self-concept refers to an individuals beliefs about themselves and their responses to others. It is a multidimensional construct that includes physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and other aspects that make up who we are. Self-concept is formed and regulated as we grow, based on the knowledge we have about ourselves. It can be broken down into individual aspects, such as physical body, spirit, or soul. Self-concept is related to self-esteem, self-knowledge, and the social self, and it interacts with these constructs to form the self as a whole.
Self-concept is an internal model that uses self-assessments to define one's self-schemas. Changes in self-concept can be measured by spontaneous self-report, where a person is prompted by a question like "Who are you?". Self-evaluation, whether a person has a positive or negative opinion of oneself, is often measured instead of self-concept.
Self-concept is an important term for both social and humanistic psychology. It begins to develop at birth and is influenced by how adults respond to a child. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in nurturing a positive self-concept in children by spending quality time together, supporting their interests, and avoiding criticisms or lectures during this time.
