Itsereflektio

Itsereflektio is the Finnish term for self-reflection, the deliberate process of examining one’s own thoughts, feelings, motives, and identity. It involves analyzing the basis for one’s beliefs and actions, assessing personal strengths and biases, and considering how these factors influence decisions and interactions with others.

Etymology and usage: The term combines "itse" (self) and "reflektio" (reflection). It is used across psychology, education, philosophy, and personal development contexts in Finnish discourse, sometimes interchanging with itsereflektointi oritse-reflektio, depending on style.

Applications: In education, itsereflektio supports reflective practice among students and teachers, enabling learning from experience and improving problem-solving and communication. In psychology and psychotherapy, it supports insight and coping by promoting awareness of cognitive patterns and emotions. In research, reflexivity refers to researchers’ awareness of how their background and assumptions affect the research process and interpretation of data.

Methods: Common practices include journaling, reflective writing prompts, structured reflection exercises, and guided introspection. Mindfulness and metacognitive strategies are often used to facilitate deeper reflection.

Relation to related concepts: Itsereflektio is closely related to self-awareness, metacognition, and critical reflection. It distinguishes itself from spontaneous daydreaming by its deliberate, structured, and evaluative character. In research, reflexivity demands transparent acknowledgment of potential biases and positionality.

Critiques: Critics note that self-reflection can be biased, influenced by social desirability, mood, and cultural norms, and may not always yield accurate insights. Proper use often requires guidance, time, and methodological care to avoid overgeneralization.