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.

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self-concept British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of self-concept

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

Example Sentences

While there is evidence we can change some elements of our self-concept, other aspects of our sense of self are harder to access.

From Salon • May 26, 2025

Changes in interest and self-concept are also associated with each other.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 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

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)