What does the term "self-concept" refer to?

The term "self-concept" refers to how one sees one's self and one's situation in life. This includes an individual's beliefs, perceptions, and feelings about themselves, encompassing their abilities, personality traits, values, and overall identity. Self-concept is fundamentally about personal understanding and self-reflection, influencing how a person interacts with the world and perceives their experiences.

In contrast to other choices, the focus is clearly on the individual's internal perspective rather than external definitions or influences. For example, how others perceive someone relates to social opinions and judgments, but this is not the essence of self-concept. Similarly, while the reputation built in society can impact self-esteem and self-image, it is not the same as self-concept, which is inherently more introspective. Feedback from peers can affect one's self-perception but does not define it; self-concept is constructed from both internal thoughts and feelings rather than solely from external validation.