Final answer:
Individuals have the capacity to develop and refine their self-concept. This process begins in childhood and continues through adolescence, leading to positive outcomes in confidence, academics, and societal contributions. Influential factors include social comparison, cognitive dissonance, and the congruence between the ideal and real self, which can be nurtured through unconditional positive regard.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding and Improving Self-Concept
Individuals have the capacity to work on and enhance their self-concept, which is crucial for healthy psychological development. The formation of a positive self-concept begins early in life, notably during Erikson's toddlerhood stage, where children start to develop autonomy. This developmental phase is critical for building confidence in personal abilities. As children grow, especially during elementary school years, they engage in social comparison, which can strengthen their sense of competence when favorable. A well-formed self-concept serves as a foundation for resilience, academic success, independent behavior, and a willingness to try new things.
The adolescent stage is another significant period where self-concept is re-evaluated as part of identity formation. At this point, individuals internalize messages about their strengths and weaknesses and are able to contribute positively to society if they achieve a clear identity formation. Cognitive dissonance can act as a motivator for people to adjust their beliefs and attitudes in pursuit of positive self-esteem, which is an essential driver of human behavior, as evidenced by the desire to see oneself in a positive light.
Carl Rogers, a humanistic psychologist, emphasized the importance of achieving congruence between one's ideal self (who one wants to be) and the real self (who one actually is). Unconditional positive regard, or unconditional love from parents, is instrumental in helping achieve this congruence, leading to greater self-worth and a more productive life. This process of self-regulation and adjustment reflects a commitment to personal change, and highlights the significance of self-awareness in making informed life decisions, such as career choices. Furthermore, the example set by an individual through personal growth and consistency in self-concept can influence others, potentially leading to broader societal change.
Last but not least, the will to succeed and the drive to reach full potential are keys that unlock personal excellence, reflecting the influence of individual commitments to change on one's self-concept and life outcomes.