“Self-image is how you perceive yourself. It is a number of self-impressions that have built up over time… These self- images can be very positive, giving a person confidence in their thoughts and actions, or negative, making a person doubtful of their capabilities and ideas.”
The Mountain State Centers for Independent Living
Dimentions and Elements of Self image
There are various approaches on the issue, a proposed framework is the following:
- Physical dimension (appearance)
- Psychological dimension (emotions)
- Intellectual dimension (intelligence)
- Skills dimension (skills)
- Moral dimension (values)
- Sexual dimension (gender)
The three elements of a person’s self-image as proposed by Suzaan Oltmann:
1.The way a person perceives or thinks of him/herself.
2.The way a person interprets others’ perceptions (or what thinks others think) of him/herself.
3.The way a person would like to be (ideal self).
The way you perceive yourself creates the possibilities for your life; what is and what isn’t possible for you in life. It is the determining factor of what you want and try for and what you will achieve. You can only create what you want and what you believe you can; your self-image indicates both.
Our self-image refers to what we think about ourselves, what we believe about who we are, and how we form our identity. Our positive beliefs about ourselves can create positive and balanced goals and relationships and lead us to further self development and fulfilment.
Can you imagine yourself in the future? Your positive self image creates a positive future in your mind for yourself. Do you believe that you are competent, good and clever? Then you will automatically create plans for a competent, good and clever person and you will work towards them.
Your positive self-image dictates a positive image for your future and directs all your actions towards that.
You have Positive Self Image when…
You act assertively.
You don’t dwell on the past.
You treat others as your equals.
You don’t allow yourself to be abused. You recognize and share your feelings. You look after yourself and balance.
You seek out people who are positive like yourself.
You take opportunities to grow as a person.
You can handle criticism.
You value yourself and others.
Positive Self Image is not when
- You see yourself as unattractive.
- You think you are an unintelligent person.
- You see yourself as unhappy and unhealthy.
- You think others will not like or respect you.
- You believe that you deserve to be mistreated or abused.
*In cases of specific syndromes, in which a person has a distorted image of their body or of themselves, it is necessary that they ask for help from specialized professionals.
What does it feel like to have a positive self-image?
It feels good.
According to research, people with a positive self- image experience less depressive and anxiety incidents.
You may feel more motivated to achieve your goals.
If you already believe you have the abilities and skills, you put all your energy at work
You are more open to new opportunities.
You don’t fear criticism or an unsuccessful try in the process.
Positive self image affects personal and professional relationships
Do you see yourself as a person who deserves love and affection and can love others back? A person who can be trusted, is honest and respects others and requires equally good behaviour from others? People can feel how you think about yourself from your behaviour.
Having a positive self-image makes you require others to treat you well; you wouldn’t tolerate abuse of any kind simply because your positive image makes you behave in that way. Your positive self-image image makes you create healthy relationships at work and in your personal life.
Positive Self image affects the way you feel inside and is projected outside.
Emotion: You feel good about yourself.
Motivated: You believe you can and you work to achieve it!
Relationships: You project your positive self-image and people see it; if you believe in yourself others will believe in you too!
Work / Career: Your colleagues, employers, clients can feel that you have a positive self-image and recognize it; if you trust yourself others will trust you back!
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Maria Biquet 