itsetutkiskelun

Itsetutkiskelun is the Finnish term for the process of introspection or self-examination, typically involving deliberate reflection on one's beliefs, actions, and motivations to gain insight and guide behavior. In Finnish educational, psychological, and personal development contexts, it is used to describe practices that promote deeper self-understanding and learning through reflective thinking.

The word is formed from itse (self) and tutkiskelu (examination or inquiry). The genitive form itsetutkiskelun is used when the concept is discussed as a topic, for example “itsetutkiskelun tarkoitus” (the purpose of self-examination) or “itsetutkiskelun prosessi” (the process of introspection).

In education, itsetutkiskelun harjoittaminen is part of reflective practice and portfolio-based assessment, while in psychology it appears in discussions of self-awareness and cognitive-behavioral strategies for examining beliefs. Common methods include journaling, reflective essays, guided prompts, structured interviews, and dialogue with peers or mentors.

Benefits include increased self-awareness, better decision making, and alignment of actions with values. Risks include rumination, selective reporting, and overemphasis on negative aspects. Effective practice typically relies on a supportive environment, clear goals, and sometimes external feedback or guidance to ensure questions remain constructive rather than self-critical.