SELF-CONCEPT AND HEALTH
Self concept is the aggregate of beliefs and feelings one holds about one-self. It is derived
from past experiences and interaction with their parents and teachers.
Development of Self-concept
Through out life there are developmental stages that you have leant in Unit 4 of this block. The
completion of each stage is important for development and maintenance of selfconcept. Erikson’s
theory of development clarifies the influence of society and environment on the development of
self-concept. For Example: In later infancy (1-3 years) if the could does not develop autonomy,
s/he may face difficulties with further psychosocial development. Even during his illness due to
shame and doubt s/he may not express the needs.
Components of Self-concept
Self-concept consists of body image, self-esteem, roles and identity. The Self-concept starts
developing from birth onwards and continues throughout life. These components are interrelated.
i) Body Image or Physical Self: It is an individual’s perception of the shape size and mass of his
or her body plus psychological experience of his or her body including feelings and attitudes. Lot
of physical changes in adolescence and in old age, cultural, societal attitude, and values influence
body image.
ii) Self-Esteem: Self esteem is closely related to self-concept. Self-esteem is an individual’s sense
of self-worth, self-acceptance and one’s feeling of personal value. It is developed as a result of
feedback from others i.e. in school, working place and within family. Self-evaluation is an
ongoing mental process, which he does on the basis of self-expectations. Those who are unable
to meet their self-expectation feel worthless and their self-esteem is lowered. Problems of low
self-esteem can cause depression.
iii) Role: Performance is another component of self-concept. A role is a set of behaviours
by which a person participates in any social group. Each individual may have many roles.
For Example: A woman may be a mother, wife and a daughter and she behaves in these roles
differently as set of ways and accepted by society. By fulfilling these roles she feels satisfied, by
not fulfilling she feels unsatisfied. Each individual’s behaviour is established through process of
socialization. It begins from birth onwards when child responds to adult and vise-versa. Through
socialization a person learns different roles.
iv) Identity: Identity is also a component of self-concept identity is derived from the Latin word
idem, which means “the same”. Identity involves the persistent individuality and sameness of a
Self concept is the aggregate of beliefs and feelings one holds about one-self. It is derived
from past experiences and interaction with their parents and teachers.
Development of Self-concept
Through out life there are developmental stages that you have leant in Unit 4 of this block. The
completion of each stage is important for development and maintenance of selfconcept. Erikson’s
theory of development clarifies the influence of society and environment on the development of
self-concept. For Example: In later infancy (1-3 years) if the could does not develop autonomy,
s/he may face difficulties with further psychosocial development. Even during his illness due to
shame and doubt s/he may not express the needs.
Components of Self-concept
Self-concept consists of body image, self-esteem, roles and identity. The Self-concept starts
developing from birth onwards and continues throughout life. These components are interrelated.
i) Body Image or Physical Self: It is an individual’s perception of the shape size and mass of his
or her body plus psychological experience of his or her body including feelings and attitudes. Lot
of physical changes in adolescence and in old age, cultural, societal attitude, and values influence
body image.
ii) Self-Esteem: Self esteem is closely related to self-concept. Self-esteem is an individual’s sense
of self-worth, self-acceptance and one’s feeling of personal value. It is developed as a result of
feedback from others i.e. in school, working place and within family. Self-evaluation is an
ongoing mental process, which he does on the basis of self-expectations. Those who are unable
to meet their self-expectation feel worthless and their self-esteem is lowered. Problems of low
self-esteem can cause depression.
iii) Role: Performance is another component of self-concept. A role is a set of behaviours
by which a person participates in any social group. Each individual may have many roles.
For Example: A woman may be a mother, wife and a daughter and she behaves in these roles
differently as set of ways and accepted by society. By fulfilling these roles she feels satisfied, by
not fulfilling she feels unsatisfied. Each individual’s behaviour is established through process of
socialization. It begins from birth onwards when child responds to adult and vise-versa. Through
socialization a person learns different roles.
iv) Identity: Identity is also a component of self-concept identity is derived from the Latin word
idem, which means “the same”. Identity involves the persistent individuality and sameness of a
