selfconception

Self-conception refers to the collection of beliefs, attributes, and values that a person uses to define themselves. It is the cognitive representation of who one is, how one functions, and what one is capable of achieving. It is distinct from self-esteem (the evaluative worth placed on the self) and from self-image (the mental picture of appearance).

The self-concept comprises multiple domains—physical, cognitive, social, emotional, moral, occupational—and is organized through self-schemas that guide attention, memory, and interpretation of feedback. Social and cultural inputs, including feedback from others, roles, and norms, shape self-conception over time. Self-efficacy, or belief in one’s capabilities, is a key component that affects motivation and action.

Developmentally, self-conception begins in childhood and becomes more complex with experience. It is relatively stable but remains flexible, adapting to new roles, achievements, relationships, and life events. Narrative identity and reflection help integrate disparate self-views into a coherent sense of self.

Measurement varies: researchers use questionnaires, interviews, and narrative methods to assess global and domain-specific self-concepts, clarity, and coherence. Cultural context matters: individualistic cultures tend to foster independent self-construals, while collectivist cultures emphasize interdependent self-views.

Implications: a coherent self-conception supports goal setting, resilience, and well-being; fragmentation or negative beliefs can contribute to distress. Self-conception interacts with identity, self-esteem, and self-efficacy to influence behavior across contexts.