selfinterpretations

Selfinterpretations refer to the cognitive and affective processes by which individuals interpret their own thoughts, feelings, actions, and life events. They shape self-concept and personal identity by constructing an internal narrative that explains why someone thinks, feels, or behaves as they do.

Key mechanisms include introspection, autobiographical memory, and the construction of a coherent narrative. People may reinterpret past events through retrospective reframing, and use cognitive schemas and biases to organize experience, which can lead to more coherent self-understanding or to distortions if unchecked.

The concept is prominent in psychology, especially narrative psychology and constructivist theories of identity. Interventions such as narrative therapy or cognitive restructuring seek to examine and revise selfinterpretations to improve well-being or reduce psychological distress. Everyday practices like journaling or mindfulness can support reflective processing.

Selfinterpretations influence motivation, coping, decision making, and meaning-making. They can enable adaptive responses by reframing challenges as growth opportunities, but they can also contribute to rumination, self-serving distortion, or rigid identities if maladaptive patterns persist. Cultural and linguistic contexts shape which interpretations are available and valued, affecting how people tell their life stories.

See also: self-concept, autobiographical memory, meaning-making, introspection.