Factors That Influence Self Concept

1. FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE SELF CONCEPT Self concept has been described as a structure that contains ideas, thoughts and information that each individual have about themselves, who they are, the characteristics they posses and what the past has made them including what they can become in future. Factors that influence individual believes in what they think they are include, reflected appraisals, the social comparison process, observing own behavior and examining ones own thoughts and feelings. While we look at these factors, we should understand our pattern of thought. Our self evaluation is affected by the primary socialization that we receive from our parents and the valued significant others in our lives. We can judge and accept ourselves better if our parents approach was supportive, non judgmental and encouraging in our childhood. Self appraisal can be reflected by how other people react to us. A warm accepting and non criticizing approach from others helps us to review ourselves more positively. If other people hold a negative opinion about us, react negatively toward us or even avoid our company the image we have about ourselves is likely to be lowered. In an attempt to improve our self concept we may want to