Self awareness: conceptual influences, contribution to nursing, and approaches to attainment

The paper examines the concept and dimensions of 'self', and the notion of self-awareness. It discusses the questions raised by the issues involved, and the central relationship of the concept of self-awareness to nursing, and some specific therapeutic models. It suggests that awareness of 'self', including the incorporation of the models described, makes a predominantly positive contribution to both general and psychiatric nursing. The use of some current teaching approaches is discussed, and congruence and balance are urged for nurse teachers involved in facilitating the development of the skills involved. (Solely for ease of reading all persons are referred to throughout by a single gender, however, in order to redress the conventional imbalance, the feminine pronoun is chosen).