So self-image and self-perception theory play a major role in our lives. Whether your self-image has taken a beating and you’re looking to regain your inner strength, or you’re as positive as can be, it never hurts to check in with yourself and give yourself a tune-up! Here are 10 rules people with good self-images always follow. People hand us instructions, hold opinions and pass judgment, and we buy in.' 10 secrets of people with positive self-perception Until we come to an authentic and unclouded idea of who we are, we are only a reflection of the opinions of other people we are a reflection of what others believe about us, as opposed to what we believe about ourselves. If your school guidance counselor 'dumbs down' the list of colleges and universities to which you selected to apply, s/he is giving you the instruction that you're not so bright. If your mother is constantly harping on you to clean up your room, she is giving you the instruction that you're sloppy. 'If your artwork is always chosen to hang in the hallway near the principal's office, your teacher is giving you the instruction that you're artistic. 'If you are the last one chosen for kickball during recess, your peers are giving you an instruction that they don't feel you to be athletic,' writes Psychology Today's Michael J Formica. In addition to self-concept theory, there's 'cultivation theory.' It also delves into self-report measures to determine emotional self-awareness. Psychologist Daryl Bem originally developed this theory of attitude formation in the late 1960s and early 1970s.Ī number of studies since have confirmed that self-perception theory exists, and furthermore, that self-perception theory (and positive self-concept or positive self-image) influences us in many unexpected contexts.

Self-image theory or self-perception theory, for example, describes the idea that people are influenced by others and not the result of what they themselves truly want to do. Researchers have looked into emotional self-awareness and the ensuing self-fulfilling prophecies for years, by looking at self-report measures and global self-esteem.

There's a lot of psychology behind self-esteem and self-concept. But, when we think negatively and have negative self-talk, we create self-fulfilling prophecies-that's when we need an attitude change, which isn't an easy process. Our feelings and beliefs about ourselves can lift us up, thanks to our high self-esteem. High self-esteem and good self-perception are what helps us avoid getting crushed by rejection and what motivates us to keep pushing for our dreams. That’s when having a positive self-image or self-perception matters most. We’re all going to be challenged personally and professionally, and we'll perhaps even be put in uncompromising positions that make us question ourselves and second guess who we are and our beliefs. Why is it important to have a positive self-perception? It’s the foundation of being truly happy with ourselves and living our best possible lives. Why? Because having a good self-image is probably one of the most valuable things we can hope to have in our lives. The term dates back to 1678, and it still holds significance today. Self-image is defined as the 'perception of oneself,' according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Self perception definition