sjálfskoðunar

Sjálfskoðun is an Icelandic term referring to the process of examining and reflecting on one’s own thoughts, feelings, motives, and actions. It is used to describe deliberate introspection aimed at gaining self-understanding or improving behavior, judgment, and decision-making. In Icelandic discourse, the term can apply in psychological, educational, ethical, and spiritual contexts.

The word is formed from sjálf, meaning self, and skoðun, meaning examination or inspection. Historically, it aligns with broader notions of self-awareness and reflection found across European languages, and in Icelandic pedagogy and therapy it often denotes structured practice rather than casual rumination.

Practices of sjálfskoðun include journaling, guided reflective exercises, mindfulness or meditation focused on inner experience, and the use of prompts to assess past choices and future goals. In education, it may take the form of self-assessment or reflective writing assignments intended to foster learning outcomes. In therapeutic settings, it can be a component of cognitive-behavioral or humanistic approaches to increase insight.

Benefits commonly attributed to sjálfskoðun include increased self-awareness, better emotional regulation, improved ethical judgment, and more deliberate behavior. Limitations include the risk of rumination, bias, or excessive self-criticism, and it should not substitute professional help when mental health concerns are present. Effective practice often combines regular reflection with external feedback.

Related concepts include innsæi (introspection), reflective practice, and self-assessment. In Icelandic contexts, sjálfskoðun is seen as a voluntary, ongoing process integral to personal development and learning.