What does "self-awareness" refer to?

Self-awareness refers to a deep understanding of one’s own self, encompassing a recognition of personal feelings, desires, motivations, and character traits. This understanding is crucial for personal growth and emotional intelligence, as it allows individuals to reflect on their experiences and behaviors, leading to improved decision-making and interpersonal relationships.

While the other options touch on related aspects of social cognition and interpersonal dynamics, they do not capture the essence of self-awareness as comprehensively. For instance, understanding the perceptions of others or how one is perceived focuses more on social awareness rather than an internal comprehension of one’s own self. Similarly, consciousness of societal expectations pertains to how external factors influence behavior but falls short of the introspective nature of self-awareness. Ultimately, the knowledge of one's own self (the correct answer) emphasizes the internal aspect, which is foundational to effective self-regulation and personal development.