self-concept

noun

self-con·​cept ˈself-ˈkän-ˌsept How to pronounce self-concept (audio)
: the mental image one has of oneself

Examples of self-concept in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Developed by psychologists in the 1950s, the test measures an individual's self-concept, or beliefs, attitudes and perceptions. Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong, NPR, 8 Mar. 2025 People with a strong sense of self tend to have healthier, more stable relationships, while those with low self-concept clarity are more prone to self-doubt, dependency and unconsciously molding their identity around their partner. Mark Travers, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Studies show that low self-concept clarity—when individuals lack a clear and stable understanding of themselves—is linked to various negative psychological outcomes like higher levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness as well as less satisfying relationships. Dale Whelehan, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025 But while anyone can be a hero, not everyone has a heroic self-concept. Cassidy Creech, The Conversation, 14 Jan. 2025 McMahon adds that communal mirroring within cohorts supports leaders in refining their self-concept and embracing a new leader identity. Sam Rockwell, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 He’s been instrumental in my healing, my recovery, my self-concept. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2024 Here are two reasons why individuals with lower self-concept clarity choose incompatible partners, according to the study. Mark Travers, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 Placing a skilled athlete among other high achievers can lead to a decline in their self-concept or perception of their abilities. Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-concept was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Self-concept.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-concept. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-concept

noun
self-con·​cept
ˈself-ˈkän-ˌsept
: the mental image one has of oneself

Medical Definition

self-concept

noun
self-con·​cept ˈself-ˈkän-ˌsept How to pronounce self-concept (audio)
: the mental image one has of oneself

More from Merriam-Webster on self-concept

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