Major components of self concept

a. The actual self: Actual self is your representation of the attributes that you believe you actually possess, or that you believe others believe you possess. The actual self determines the level of self efficacy which relates to ones sense of competence. Given a security situation we feel competent to deal with it or incompetent depending of the level of our self efficacy. The actual self is improved by constant self exploration to gain self awareness. On noting our weaknesses we seek personal development by self acceptance and self improvement. This yields to a strong self identity. Doing so makes our sense of security or insecurity more realistic and countermeasures more concrete and pragmatic. Our attitudes and tolerance towards self and others improve reducing threats and risk levels.

b. The self ideal: Ideal self is your representation of the attributes that someone (yourself or another) would like you, ideally, to possess (i.e., a representation of someone's hopes, aspirations, or wishes for you). The "ideal-self" is what motivates individuals to change, improve and achieve. It comprises of ought self (what one should or ought to possess) and the feared self (what one does not desire to be). What security goals have we developed? Are our priorities right so that we meet foundational needs first? What new threats are we provoking by following our ideals? Are there better ways of reaching our ideals with minimal risks and reduced threats? The clearer our ideals are the better. They give us meaning of life and hope for better, interest and motivation in what we do.

c. The self esteem: It is the evaluative element of the self-concept indicating the level of worth or importance.

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Titany answered the question on December 7, 2021 at 07:44