Self-concept refers to individuals’ perceptions, evaluations, and feelings about themselves, encompassing aspects such as appearance, nature, behavior, abilities, and values. It comprises self-identity, body image, self-esteem, ideal self, and role. The development of self-concept occurs through self-observation, interactions with others, and the influence of culture and social norms. While parents heavily influence self-concept in early childhood, experiences and interactions play a significant role as individuals mature. Self-concept serves as the foundation for one’s actions and thoughts, guiding behavior accordingly. Understanding an individual’s self-concept is essential for comprehending their behavior.

Health disorders that disrupt daily functioning, such as changes in body image or mobility issues, can lead to a negative shift in self-concept, causing a disparity between the actual and ideal selves and lowering self-esteem. These challenges related to one’s self-concept can lead to mental instability, hindering the ability to heal and maintain health.

Nursing theorist Sister Callista Roy integrates self-concept into nursing practice by considering it one of the modes of adaptation to change. She emphasizes the importance of gathering, understanding, interpreting, and assessing data related to self-concept styles in nursing practice and providing support to promote adjustment.

• Endo, T. (Ed.). (1981). Psychology of identity. Nakanishiya Publishing.
• Roy, S. C. (1998). Introduction to Roy’s adaptive nursing model (Matsuki, M., Trans. Ed.; 2nd ed.). Hersu Publishing.
• Stuart, G. W., & Sundeen, S. J. (1986). New clinical nursing system: Psychiatric nursing 1 (Higuchi, Y., Inaoka, F., & Imai, K., Trans. Eds.). Igaku-Shoin.