What it means
How a person sees themselves. It is often described in parts: body image (how they see their body), self-esteem (how they value themselves), role performance (how they see themselves in roles such as parent or worker) and personal identity. Illness, surgery, disability and aging can all change it.
For the nurse
Watch for a changed self-concept after events such as an amputation, a mastectomy or a new stoma: the client may avoid looking at the area or withdraw. Encourage them to talk and to take part in their care.
At a glance
| Also written | self-concepts |
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Related terms
self-esteem
How much a person values and respects themselves.
body image
How a person sees, thinks and feels about their own body and its appearance and function.
adaptation
A change that helps a person or the body adjust to new conditions or stress.