Self-image

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In psychology, the self-image describes the idea that someone has or makes of himself. The concept of self-image partly coincides with the concept of personal identity , but relates more than this to psychological and mood- related aspects and is subject to greater changes and fluctuations. The self-image is based on self-perception ; the external image is the image of a person as perceived by others from the outside .

The self-image is measured by the ideal , i.e. how someone would like to be. Self-image and ideal image are summarized in the self-concept (also: self-construction). In general, everyone strives for a basically stable and positively congruent self-image. The self-concept is therefore often worked on; it is sometimes only maintained or changed with great psychological effort.

Functions of self-image

In addition to external influences and expectations, it is the self-image that controls a person's thinking , feeling and behavior to a certain extent . The correspondence between self-image and ideal image as well as that between self-image and external image are essential prerequisites for performance, mental health and appropriate interaction with third parties. The clearer the self-image is and the better it matches the images of others, the more clearly the difference to the desired image can be seen. Personal development steps can then be derived from this.

Interaction between self-image and external image

A person's self-image can be influenced by their (more or less realistic) idea of ​​how they are perceived by others. Conversely, the image that strangers have of a person is influenced by their self-image or self-concept, which is communicated verbally or outwardly in the form of facial expressions or habitus. Self-image is also strongly influenced by belonging to social groups that have a more positive or negative self-image, e.g. B. as a result of privilege or discrimination.

Feedback as a correction

Feedback enables the recipient to compare their self-image with external images and to correct it if necessary. A positive self-image is promoted by an appreciative environment. In particular, the reactions of interaction partners to self -disclosure , self-portrayal and self-disclosure of a person can strongly influence their self-image and self-experience.

Dimensions of self-image

The self-image is made up of different dimensions:

The cognitive dimension of self-image includes both the self-perception of oneself as a biographically shaped person who is still identical to oneself ( identity ) over the course of time and the various experiences made, as well as the knowledge of one's own character , one's own values , ideals and wishes , Talents and gifts, the social status achieved , but also your own body and its effect on others. However, the self-image is always linked to emotional-affective elements as well as evaluative elements, provided that a person shows himself more or less self-love and self-respect based on his self-perception and is also capable of self-criticism . The emotional and rational attitude towards oneself based on a respective self-image, in turn, has an effect on one's own actions and motivation and thus also on one's self-image.

For psychological and psychotherapeutic purposes, the self-image of an individual can be viewed and classified in different categories:

  • Valence: positive, negative, ambivalent (ambivalent).
  • Stability: constant value or fragile, fleeting, changeable.
  • Congruence : Self-image and image of others should not deviate too much or too much from one another within the living environment, in order not to cause permanent conflicts or relationship problems.

See also

literature

  • Filipp, S.-H. (1979, ed.): Self-concept research . Stuttgart: Velcro-Cotta.
  • Hattie, John (1992): Self Concept. Lawrence Erlbaum, Mahwah NJ.
  • Kanning, UP (2000): Self- Esteem Management . The psychology of self-serving behavior . Göttingen: Hogrefe.
  • Kegan, R. (German 3rd edition 1986, English 1982). The stages of development of the self. Advances and Crises in Human Life .
  • Krappmann (1978): Sociological Dimensions of Identity . Stuttgart: Velcro-Cotta.
  • Laing, RD / Phillipson, H./Lee, AR (German 1976, English 1966): Interpersonal perception . Frankfurt: Suhrkamp.
  • Mead, GH (1978): Mind, Identity, and Society . Frankfurt: Suhrkamp.
  • Schachinger, H. (2005): The self, self-knowledge and the feeling for one's own worth. 2005, ISBN 3-456-84188-4
  • Scherm, M. & Sarges, W. (2002): 360 ° Feedback . Göttingen: Hogrefe. ISBN 3-8017-1483-7
  • Schütz, A. (2003): Psychology of self-esteem. From self-acceptance to arrogance. Kohlhammer: Stuttgart 2003
  • Carol Dweck: Self-image - How our thinking causes success or failure . Piper, 2009. ISBN 978-3-492-25227-0 .

Web links

Wiktionary: Self-image  - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations