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Self-Schemas

Self-Schemas

In general, a schema is a mental construct consisting of a cluster or collection of related concepts (Bartlett, 1932). There are many different types of schemata, and they all have one thing in common: schemata are a method of organizing information that allows the brain to work more efficiently. When a schema is activated, the brain makes immediate assumptions about the person or object being observed.

Self-Awareness and Its Effects

Self-Awareness and Its Effects

Self-awareness is a psychological state in which the individual becomes the focal point of their attention. This inward focus transforms the self into an object of contemplation and assessment, influencing how individuals perceive their actions and their alignment with personal and societal standards.Triggers and Contexts for Self-AwarenessSelf-awareness can be activated by external stimuli that make individuals visually or audibly aware of themselves, such as mirrors, cameras, or recordings.

Understanding the Self

Understanding the Self

The self is a central aspect of human identity, encompassing an individual’s beliefs, emotions, perceptions, and experiences. It is a cognitive and psychological construct that enables individuals to interpret their traits and behaviors, influencing how they perceive themselves and interact with the world. While personality consists of stable and enduring characteristics, the self is shaped by self-perception and social experiences. This distinction highlights the dynamic nature of the self,...

The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison

The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison

According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...

Understanding Self-Concept

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The self-concept encompasses individuals' beliefs about themselves, structured through cognitive frameworks known as self-schemas. These schemas function as mental representations of specific traits or behaviors, influencing how self-relevant information is perceived, processed, and remembered. For example, individuals who are schematic for body weight are more likely to interpret routine experiences—such as dining out or shopping—through the lens of that trait. Conversely, those aschematic for...

Self-Concept

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Self-concept is the cognitive and emotional understanding individuals hold about their identity. It evolves through various developmental stages, beginning in infancy and maturing as children grow. This concept influences how individuals perceive their abilities, interact with others, and manage challenges throughout life.
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During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

A Modified Mirror Test as a Visual Guide for the Self-awareness Trait in Wild Antarctica Penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae

A Modified Mirror Test as a Visual Guide for the Self-awareness Trait in Wild Antarctica Penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae

Published on: July 8, 2025

On being, knowing and having a self.

The Journal of Analytical Psychology

|May 23, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study differentiates three aspects of the self: psychosomatic being, self-awareness, and self-identity. Understanding these distinctions offers insights into psychological integration and self-perception.

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Neuroscience
Philosophy of Mind

Background:

The self is a complex construct with various conceptualizations.
Distinguishing between core consciousness and self-reflexive consciousness is crucial for understanding the human self.

Purpose of the Study:

To differentiate three distinct aspects of the self: self as totality, sense of self, and self-identity.
To explore the clinical implications of these self distinctions.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis based on the distinction between core consciousness and self-reflexive consciousness.
Exploration of psychosomatic being, symbolic imagination, and social cognition in self-formation.

Main Results:

Identified three aspects of the self: 1) psychosomatic being (shared with living creatures), 2) sense of self (human phenomenon linked to symbolic imagination), and 3) self-identity (socially constructed attribute).
Clinical implications include the role of interpretation in fostering integration, loss of self-reflexive consciousness in overwhelming affect, and self-hatred impacting psychosomatic being.

Conclusions:

The differentiation of self aspects provides a framework for understanding psychological phenomena.
Clinical applications highlight the importance of interpretation, managing affect, and addressing self-division for psychological well-being.