What does the term "self-concept" refer to?

The term "self-concept" refers to the perception of oneself, which encompasses beliefs, feelings, and thoughts about one's identity. It includes how individuals view themselves, which can be shaped by personal experiences, social interactions, and cultural influences. A robust self-concept is vital for self-esteem and overall psychological well-being, as it forms the foundation of how one interacts with the world and understands their place within it.

This understanding of self-concept is rooted in psychological theories that address identity and self-perception. The concept emphasizes the personal nature of how people identify themselves and the meanings they assign to their experiences, which can vary widely from person to person depending on their unique life circumstances. This term contrasts distinctively with other options that focus more on external measures or regulation of emotions rather than on internal beliefs about one’s identity.