Self-Concept

A subjective sense of self and a complex mixture of unconscious and conscious thoughts, attitudes, and perceptions

A positive self-concept gives a sense of meaning, wholeness, and consistency to a person.

A healthy self-concept has a high degree of stability and generates positive feelings toward the self.

Self-esteem is closely related.

Scientific Knowledge Base

Parents and primary caregivers have tremendous influence on the development of a child’s self-concept.

Individuals learn and internalize cultural influences on self-concept and self-esteem in childhood and adolescence.

In adulthood, job satisfaction and job performance are linked to self-esteem.

The sense of self is often negatively affected in older adulthood.

Family Effect on Self-Concept Development

Family plays a key role.

Family plays a key role.

Strong parental support and parental monitoring create positive effects.

Family and cultural influences can be positive or negative.

Family and cultural influences can be positive or negative.

Any real or perceived change that threatens identity, body image, or role performance can affect self-concept.

Changes that occur in physical, spiritual, emotional, sexual, familial, and sociocultural health affect self-concept.
-Change in health
-Other crises

Stressors Affecting Self-Concept:
Identity stressors

Especially during adoles-cence

Stressors Affecting Self-Concept:
Role performance stressors

Role ambiguity
Role overload
Role conflict
Role strain

Stressors Affecting Self-Concept:
Body image stressors

Affect appearance, structure or function of a body part

Stressors Affecting Self-Concept:
Self-esteem stressors

Vary by develop-mental stage

The Nurse’s Effect on the Patient’s Self-Concept

Nurses need to remain aware of their own feelings, ideas, values, expectations, and judgments:
Use a positive and matter of fact approach.
Build a trusting relationship.
Be aware of facial and body expressions.

Self-Concept and the Nursing Process: Nursing Diagnosis and Planning-
Goals and outcomes

Be realistic.

Self-Concept and the Nursing Process: Nursing Diagnosis and Planning-
Setting priorities

Focus on adaptations to stressors.

Self-Concept and the Nursing Process: Nursing Diagnosis and Planning-
Collaborative care

Consider additional resources.

Self-Concept and the Nursing Process: Evaluation

Frequent evaluation of patient progress is necessary.
Apply knowledge of behaviors and characteristics of a healthy self-concept when reviewing the actual behaviors patients display.
Expected outcomes for a patient with a self-concept disturbance:
Nonverbal behaviors showing positive self-concept
Statements of self-acceptance
Acceptance of change