Final answer:
Self-concept is a term that refers to an individual's cognitive awareness and personal beliefs about themselves, including their private mental image and assessment of their own characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term self-concept refers to your cognitive awareness about yourself. It includes your private mental image of yourself and a collection of beliefs about the kind of person you are. This encompasses all our thoughts and feelings about ourselves, including how we see our real selves and our ideal selves. Self-concept develops from infancy and changes as a person grows, and achieving congruence—where our real self and ideal self are very similar—is indicative of a healthy and positive self-concept.
Understanding self-concept is crucial for personal development. It influences many areas of one's life, including confidence levels, independence, and the willingness to engage in new experiences. Hence, fostering a positive self-concept is essential for healthy development throughout different stages of life.