What is self-perception and how to develop it?

George Alvarez 11-10-2023
George Alvarez

Have you been asking yourself what is self-perception Do you know what the theory is about this? concepts, benefits, and other techniques that are related to the topic? Then this article is ready to help you.

We believe that this is a very important theme and that more people need to know and experience self-perception For this reason, we want to bring you the basic information on the subject, such as the definition of this concept. However, in addition, we want to show you how the self-perception is interesting, and what benefits you can have on this path.

But before that, tell us what self-perception We are waiting for your comments below. Below, we have divided the subject into topics so that the content is presented in a simple way! Check it out!

Self-perception according to the dictionary

If we look up the word self-perception Moreover, etymologically the word comes from the Greek autos and "own" + perception.

And, objectively, it is a perception that the person has of himself, his mistakes, his qualities. Among the synonyms for self-perception we find self-understanding and self-evaluation, for example.

Concept of self-perception

A self-perception is how the person comes to understand his own attitudes and beliefs based on his behavior. Here the person analyzes himself in the same way that a person looking from the outside would do. This differentiates self-perception of dissonance, because the latter is a negative motivation.

In the case of self-perception, To illustrate this idea, think about how you attribute values to the reality that surrounds you. self-perception is like this.

According to her, realizing our behaviors, our emotions, is the beginning of change. This is because when we realize this and understand the consequences of each act, we really realize ourselves.

The importance of working on self-perception

For this reason, working on self-perception It doesn't matter to us whether that therapy focuses on behavior, emotions or thoughts. It is only by understanding what happens to us and how it happens before that we will take steps.

With this, we understand that the concept of self-perception Moreover, this knowledge is not a perverse knowledge that destroys us, but a knowledge that helps us to improve.

The theory of Perception

The theory of perception can be explained through the concept of interrelationship between behaviors. In other words, one behavior is linked to many others. Its founder is Skinner, and according to him the theory is divided into two parts:

Study of the precursors of perceptual behavior

It investigates behaviors such as purpose, awareness, and attention that modify the emission of perceptual behavior.

Study of perceptual behaviors as precursors

It investigates the problem-solving process, and perceptual behavior modifies the environment. It is this modification that allows discriminative behaviors to be emitted and, consequently, the resolution of the problem. For this theory, the self-concept, which is the value that one attributes to oneself in relation to the surrounding environment, is formed in childhood. But this self-concept is not crystallized and can change over time.This self-concept is a profile, that is, an image that the person attributes to himself.

During our training, especially in childhood, we may come to embody someone else's values. Who hasn't wanted to be like someone they admire a lot, or assumed something to be true just because someone you admire said so? This is, as said, much stronger in children. This aspect is called introjection.

Understanding our self-concept during the process of self-perception is important. After all, we need to understand what we believe we are and why we came to that conclusion. The observer's vision is not always based only on what is seen. Many times we distort reality because of internal, social, personal factors. Understanding motivations, then, is of utmost importance.

Benefits of self-perception

First of all, we have been saying that only through self-perception Then, by understanding our behavior we will be able to acquire new ones, or make adjustments.

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However, self-perception is something very complex, because it is a process! And it is only through this process that we can assemble the little pieces that can form a larger model. This model will tell us how we behave, but with data collected in a more assertive way. After all, it is a real and close research, because let's face it, there is no one who can have more access to usthan we do ourselves.

The more we exercise self-perception the more balanced we will become. And this balance will be in all areas of our lives. Imagine how much difference this makes in our construction as a professional? Or within a relationship?

Self-perception exercises

Self-perception is a process. Some exercises help us to get to know ourselves better. Besides, there is no way that overnight we can apply heavy self-perception exercises, you know? It needs to be gradual and continuous.

Here we list some exercises that will help you in this very intense and precise process:

  • Mirror Therapy

This exercise seeks to promote positive feelings about one's life. It acts as a relief as you seek to understand and accept your present and past and how it is intrinsic to you. To do this you need to put yourself in a quiet place and have a mirror. Look at yourself and use the silence to analyze yourself.

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Try to analyze your qualities and how you are a good person. Ask yourself about the aspects of your life and reflect on how you are and how you would like to be. Then ask yourself how you can get there. It is important to be honest and fair with yourself. This is not a time for suffering, but for searching. Be fair, don't forget.

  • Johari's Window

Johari's window is a matrix that seeks to contrast our perception and the perception of others. In this matrix you divide a sheet of paper into 4 parts.

At open area you need to put everything that you are, including skills and feelings, and that you show to others. blind area is everything you don't see about yourself, but others do. potential area will be what you think you can manifest, but can't yet. There is also the hidden area, where are the qualities that you have and recognize, but don't show to others.

We will be cross-checking the information and will seek to increase the open area. This open area is considered a transparency and the more transparent we are, the more we will be ourselves.

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  • Questioning yourself

It is impossible to exercise self-perception Make a list of questions that you think are pertinent, for example, "What are my goals in life?" "How can I achieve my goals?" "What are my qualities?" And be honest, we have already told you how much difference it makes in the process.

Final considerations about self-perception

A self-perception It is not only about analyzing and understanding behavior, it is about changing what we think is not so good. It is not easy, I think we have already said that, but it is worth it. Growing up hurts, you know, but you have to.

We hope you found this article useful and that you will consider applying these exercises in your life. self-perception Also, in case you are interested, we talk about this subject in our 100% online Clinical Psychoanalysis course. Check it out!

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.