self-concept

American  

[self-kon-sept, self-] / ˈsɛlfˈkɒn sɛpt, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. the idea or mental image one has of oneself and one's strengths, weaknesses, status, etc.; self-image.

---

self-concept British  

noun

1. psychol the whole set of attitudes, opinions, and cognitions that a person has of himself

---

Etymology

Origin of self-concept

First recorded in 1890–95; self- ( def. ) + concept ( def. )

Example Sentences

This self-concept emerges during the second year of life, as evidenced for instance by children recognizing themselves in the mirror.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2024

Whitaker also credits the show’s wardrobe department with tailoring a sartorial identity befitting the gangster’s self-concept.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2023

How we talk about maturity and adulthood—and the evidence we use to support that—has real-world consequences for our behavior and self-concept.

From Slate • Nov. 27, 2022

“A child may not have the meta-awareness to reflect in that way, but you can help them develop a self-concept of, ‘I’m a person who handles things.’

From Washington Post • Nov. 1, 2021

They resuscitated a self-concept that languished each day in being cognizant of her own babbling in this north-of-the-border language.

From Tokyo to Tijuana: Gabriele Departing America by Sills, Steven (Steven David Justin)