Lets start with first principles. I will explore answers to the following questions.
Defining the Self Concept
The Self has been studied & analyzed in different realms – from philosophy to psychology, from performing arts to core theoretical sciences, as well as in Religion & Spirituality.
“In the simplest terms, the Self is the individual as an abstract entity, an object, in his or her own reflective consciousness.”
In psychology, the Self has been one of the focal points of understanding various aspects of human behaviour, thought process, cognitive ability etc. Mary Whiton Calkins, along with William James, is one of the earliest pioneers in the field of Self Psychology who attempted to define the Idea of the Self. This is what she stated:
“One is so constantly aware of one’s self that one might understandably overlook it when reporting on a sensational experience”
– Mary Calkins
According to Mary, this was the primary reason for Self Psychology not gaining popularity. And this holds true, even to this day.
Characteristics of the Self
Unique & Transient
This is probably the most important characteristic of the Self that needs to be emphasized. We are all so unique, and yet we constantly try to conform to others expectations from us, even if those are not aligned to our true selves. Another key characteristic of our ‘Self’ is that it is constantly evolving as we grow physically due to biology, and cognitively shaped by our experiences.
The fact that you are so incredibly Unique is reason enough to undertake a study of the Self. The fact that your Self is Transient is reason enough to pursue this learning for life.
Identical & Infinite
The core of our ‘Self’ maintains an Identity throughout our life. This implies that at the core, you are the same person that you were when you were born. There is an element which binds an individual into oneness throughout the passage of time, as well as through one’s physical transformation.
Multifacted & Multidimentional
The Self is a multifaceted & multidimensional construct. What this implies is that it has many aspects to it, and exist in multiple dimensions. This is something we will understand better in a coming post on modelling the self concept, as we try to model it in the different ways, and as we observe that in every different way of modelling, the Self Concept has many dimensions to it.
Components of the Self
Self Awareness
The term Self Awareness refers to the extent of one’s conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, desires, strengths, flaws etc. It encompasses all attributes that one consciously knows know about one’s self.
Obviously, there are many attributes and aspects of the Self that one is not aware of.
Self Expression
The term Self Expression covers every form or method an individual uses to express her Self. It includes speech, writing, body language, facial expressions etc.
Self Esteem
The term Self Esteem refers to an individuals appraisal of their own values & character. It refers to an abstract & cognitive evaluation of the Self. Self Esteem is a very important component of the Self and will be explored in detail later in this book, and in my book on Relationships.
Identity
Our Identity forms an integral part of the Self Concept. There are many facets to our Identity. The Identity attribute of the Self has been extensively used across all social structures, from commerce to politics to religion.
Self Image
The term Self Image refers to an evaluation of the perception of one’s Self. It is usually attributed to the visual aspect of the Self, but includes the non visual aspects as well.
Self Worth
The term Self Worth refers to a material evaluation of one’s own Self. It comprises of qualifications, skills & relationships that offer material rewards & comforts for ones life.