Selbstbezogenheit

Selbstbezogenheit is a German term used to describe a disposition or behavior characterized by a focus on one’s own person, needs, and perspective. It denotes an orientation toward the self that can be cognitive, affective, or behavioral, and it may appear in everyday speech as well as in academic discussion.

In psychology and related fields, Selbstbezogenheit is closely linked to concepts such as egocentrism and self-centeredness. Depending on context and degree, it is sometimes discussed as egoism or as a facet of narcissism. The term is often distinguished from self-reflection and self-awareness, which imply deliberate examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings rather than a baseline prioritization of the self.

The concept encompasses both adaptive and maladaptive aspects. A certain level of self-focus can support self-care, boundary setting, and goal pursuit. However, excessive Selbstbezogenheit is commonly associated with reduced empathy, weakened interpersonal relations, and negative social outcomes. Developmentally, early egocentrism is typical in children and generally diminishes as perspective-taking and social understanding mature.

Contextual factors, including contemporary media use and social networks, can influence the salience of self-related attention and shape norms around self-presentation, validation, and privacy. Selbstbezogenheit remains a versatile term spanning psychology, ethics, and sociology, used to analyze how self-orientation affects behavior and social interaction.

See also: Egoism, Egocentrism, Narcissism, Empathy, Perspective-taking, Self-awareness.