Self-Concept and the Self
Yasmin Walls
Psy 400
October 24, 2011
Leah, Reagan

Self-concept is defined as the knowledge, a multi-dimensional construct, of an individual’s perception one may have about his or herself such as personality traits, physical characteristics, abilities, values, goals, and roles. During infancy, individuals begin to acquire and organize information, which help them to understand the concept of the self in the social world. Children learn to interact in the social world from their learning experiences and the environment. This paper will focus on the concept of the self in the social world, a description of my life in regard to self-concept, self-esteem and self-efficacy, and a description of two social experiences that affected my personal development.
The self-concept is an internal model, which refers to one’s personality, skills, abilities, occupation, hobbies, physical characteristics, etc. One’s self-concepts refer to his or her personal identity and social identity. Individual’s self-perceptions and how he or she interacts in the social world is a significant factor in self-concept.
Self-schemas are a significant element of self-concept, which are specific beliefs, mental temples, one uses to define him or herself, and organize his or her world. (Myers, 2010). Self schemas enable people to vision themselves in the future, their possible selves. It helps one to vision what he or she wants such as rich, thin, or successful. Such possible selves are beneficial, for it motivates individuals who want a successful future.
The self-concept helps organize thinking and guide social behavior. Social experiences are also exceptionally influential in one’s development of self-concept such as the roles an individual play, social comparisons, success, and failure, and what others think have much to do with one’s development and how he or