Self-Concept, Self-Image, Self-Perception, and Self-Importance

[DISCLAIMER]

When providing psychoeducational lessons on mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”), I often find it useful to define terms. Therefore, I invite you to consider that the American Psychological Association (APA) thusly defines self-concept:

[O]ne’s description and evaluation of oneself, including psychological and physical characteristics, qualities, skills, roles and so forth. Self-concepts contribute to the individual’s sense of identity over time.

The conscious representation of self-concept is dependent in part on nonconscious schematization of the self (see schema). Although self-concepts are usually available to some degree to the consciousness, they may be inhibited from representation yet still influence judgment, mood, and behavioral patterns.

Also called self-appraisal [APA redirect to self-concept]; self-assessment [APA redirect to self-concept]; self-evaluation [APA redirect to self-concept]; self-rating [APA redirect to self-concept, as well as defining: in psychological measurement, the act of reporting on or describing characteristics of oneself]. See self-image; self-perception.

Understandably, there’s significant overlap between the terms self-concept and self-appraisal, self-assessment, self-evaluation, and self-rating, as these terms are virtually synonymous. Now, as attention was directed to the term self-imagine, the APA thusly defines this term:

[O]ne’s view or concept of oneself. Self-image is a crucial aspect of an individual’s personality that can determine the success of relationships and a sense of general well-being. A negative self-image is often a cause of dysfunctions and of self-abusive, self-defeating, or self-destructive behavior.

Regarding self-concept, client X may describe oneself as ugly, and then evaluate oneself as worthless. Concerning self-image, client X may then view oneself as off-putting to others, thus establishing the concept of oneself as having nothing worthwhile to contribute to a relationship.

Ergo, self-concept and self-image relate to a similar effect—perception, which the APA defines as “the process or result of becoming aware of objects, relationships, and events by means of the senses, which includes such activities as recognizing, observing, and discriminating.”

With this context, I note that the APA defines self-perception as “a person’s view of their self or of any of the mental or physical attributes that constitute the self. Such a view may involve genuine self-knowledge or varying degrees of distortion.”

When practicing care for mental health, I often encounter “varying degrees of distortion,” such as an overinflated or undervalued sense of self. This effect regards importance (the quality or state of being important—marked by or indicative of significant worth or consequence).

Specifically, I work with concepts of self-importance (an exaggerated estimate of one’s own importance: self-conceit; and arrogant or pompous behavior). Of client X’s impoverished sense of self-importance, one may deem one’s own life as useless (i.e., unimportant) due to ugliness.

Now that you likely better comprehend distinctions between the terms self-concept, self-appraisal, self-assessment, self-evaluation, self-rating, self-image, self-perception, and self-importance, and the impact of these concepts, I now turn to a book that I’ve been reading.

As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is informed by Stoic philosophy, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding a book entitled The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.

The authors quote Marcus Aurelius, who stated, “Think of the whole universe of matter and how small your share. Think about the expanse of time and how brief—almost momentary—the part marked for you. Think of the workings of fate and how infinitesimal your role” (page 381).

Although he didn’t specifically reference egoism, Aurelius essentially alluded to this concept, which the APA defines as “a personality characteristic marked by selfishness and behavior based on self-interest with disregard for the needs of others.” There’s a distinction to be made here.

Rational self-interest (e.g., driving to the grocery store, because you need food in order to survive) isn’t the same concept as irrational or egoistic self-interest (e.g., closing your eyes while navigating the roadway, irrespective of the need of others to survive).

The latter concept overlaps with egotism, which the APA defines as “excessive conceit or a preoccupation with one’s own importance.” If one believes oneself to be the center of the universe, à la the Aurelius quote, then one may egotistically place the lives of others in danger.

I’ve referenced hypothetical client X, who, although undervaluing oneself, may egoistically or egotistically disregard the needs of others by fixating on self-concept, self-image, self-perception, and self-importance to the degree whereby one abandons a loving relationship.

As an example, if client X irrationally believes oneself to be too ugly than to contribute any worthwhile component of a relationship with one’s intimate partner, then client X may abandon the relationship. Regarding self-importance, authors of The Daily Stoic state (page 381):

The amount of matter in the universe is immense—on the order of trillions of atoms. What percentage of that matter does one human body constitute? The earth, as far as science tells us, is some 4.5 billion years old and shows no sign of ending soon.

Our time on the earth, on the other hand, will be what? Several decades, maybe? Sometimes we need to have the facts and figures spelled out in front of us to fully realize the scale at which humans happen to exist in the big scheme of things.

Consider this the next time you feel self-important, or like everything rises and falls on what you do next. It doesn’t. You’re just one person among many, doing your best among many. That’s all you need to do.

Whether self-important or self-unimportant, your concept of self may have a greater influence on those around you than you otherwise thought—especially if you egoistically or egotistically center your importance above or below others, as people with whom I’ve worked have learned.

Ultimately, you’re not as special or burdensome as you may believe. You’re merely a fallible human being—even if you’re thought of as beautiful, ugly, or so on. Not being the center of the universe, à la the Aurelius quote, you can now unconditionally accept yourself, others, and life.

Besides, as long as you’re alive and able to read this blogpost, your relatively brief time left on this planet affords you an opportunity to focus on what’s actually important. Is that your self-concept, self-image, self-perception, self-importance, or perhaps something other than yourself?

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

Photo credit, Designed by Magnific, fair use

References:

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Concept. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/concept

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Dysfunction. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/dysfunction

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Egoism. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/egoism

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Egotism. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/egotism

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Fixation. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/fixation

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Identity. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/identity

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Mood. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/mood

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Perception. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/perception

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Personality. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/personality

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Preoccupation. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/preoccupation

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Representation. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/representation

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Schema. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/schema

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2023, November 15). Self. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/self

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2023, November 15). Self-abuse. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/self-abuse

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Self-appraisal. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/self-appraisal

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Self-assessment. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/self-assessment

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Self-concept. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/self-concept

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2023, November 15). Self-defeating behavior. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/self-defeating-behavior

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2023, November 15). Self-destructiveness. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/self-destructiveness

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Self-evaluation. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/self-evaluation

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Self-image. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/self-image

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2023, November 15). Self-perception. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/self-perception

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Self-rating. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/self-rating

Daily Stoic. (n.d.). Translating the Stoics: An interview with “The Daily Stoic” co-author Stephen Hanselman. Retrieved from https://dailystoic.com/stephen-hanselman-interview/

Holiday, R. and Hanselman, S. (2016). The daily stoic: 366 meditations on wisdom, perseverance, and the art of living. Penguin Random House LLC. Retrieved from https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-daily-stoic-366-meditations-on-wisdom-perseverance-and-the-art-of-living-d61378067.html

Hollings, D. (2026, June 16). A fountain of goodness: Subjective and objective views. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/a-fountain-of-goodness-subjective-and-objective-views

Hollings, D. (2026, April 19). A special burden. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/a-special-burden

Hollings, D. (2026, February 8). Adaptive and maladaptive emotions and behavior. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/adaptive-and-maladaptive-emotions-and-behavior

Hollings, D. (2024, May 18). Cognitive distortions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/cognitive-distortions

Hollings, D. (2026, July 29). Comprehension: Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/comprehension-to-you-understand-the-words-that-are-coming-out-of-my-mouth

Hollings, D. (2026, February 12). Consciousness: Reach your soul. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/consciousness-reach-your-soul

Hollings, D. (2024, March 19). Consequences. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/consequences

Hollings, D. (2025, October 3). Control and influence: A soft center and coated in a candy shell. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/control-and-influence-a-soft-center-and-coated-in-a-candy-shell

Hollings, D. (2024, October 27). Correlation does not imply causation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/correlation-does-not-imply-causation

Hollings, D. (2022, October 5). Description vs. prescription. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/description-vs-prescription

Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer

Hollings, D. (2024, April 2). Discrimination. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/discrimination

Hollings, D. (2026, June 27). Enabling sick people to just become selfish psychopaths. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/enabling-sick-people-to-just-become-selfish-psychopaths

Hollings, D. (2024, January 8). Enlightened self-interest. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/enlightened-self-interest

Hollings, D. (2025, December 5). Evaluations and appraisals: Men are gross, trash, and pigs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/evaluations-and-appraisals-men-are-gross-trash-and-pigs

Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use

Hollings, D. (2024, May 11). Fallible human being. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fallible-human-being

Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Feeling better vs. getting better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-vs-getting-better-1

Hollings, D. (2026, February 13). Five, four, three… beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/five-four-three-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2023, May 3). Game recognize game. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/game-recognize-game

Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/

Hollings, D. (2026, July 6). It’s not an opinion, it’s a fact: Am I taking crazy pills? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/it-s-not-an-opinion-it-s-a-fact-am-i-taking-crazy-pills

Hollings, D. (2025, May 18). Learning to understand, attentively and deeply. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/learning-to-understand-attentively-and-deeply

Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching

Hollings, D. (2025, November 28). Making decisions with jumbled judgment. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/making-decisions-with-jumbled-judgment

Hollings, D. (2024, March 4). Mental, emotional, and behavioral health. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mental-emotional-and-behavioral-health

Hollings, D. (2025, November 16). Mental health, mental illness, and mental disorder. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mental-health-mental-illness-and-mental-disorder

Hollings, D. (2026, July 13). Nonconscious distress and a centipede. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/nonconscious-distress-and-a-centipede

Hollings, D. (2025, September 26). Observing eye and perceiving eye. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/observing-eye-and-perceiving-eye

Hollings, D. (2023, September 3). On feelings. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings

Hollings, D. (2025, October 27). Physiological and psychological fitness. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/physiological-and-psychological-fitness

Hollings, D. (2024, January 1). Psychoeducation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychoeducation

Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist

Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt

Hollings, D. (2025, August 13). Rational versus irrational thoughts and beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-versus-irrational-thoughts-and-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2024, January 1). Rational vs. irrational. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-vs-irrational

Hollings, D. (2025, October 9). Self-awareness, self-examination, and self-determination. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-awareness-self-examination-and-self-determination

Hollings, D. (2025, August 3). Self-esteem and self-worth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-esteem-and-self-worth

Hollings, D. (2026, August 22). Self-knowledge: Know yourself by knowing your limits. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-knowledge-know-yourself-by-knowing-your-limits

Hollings, D. (2024, April 21). Stoicism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/stoicism

Hollings, D. (2024, October 17). Stress-testing intimate partner relationships. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/stress-testing-intimate-partner-relationships

Hollings, D. (2026, April 12). The Cartesian crisis: What do I control? What do I influence? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/ the-cartesian-crisis-what-do-i-control-what-do-i-influence

Hollings, D. (2023, August 6). The science. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-science

Hollings, D. (2025, November 6). The senses and self-defense. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-senses-and-self-defense

Hollings, D. (2026, May 15). The speed of thoughts and beliefs: Flipping the bird. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-speed-of-thoughts-and-beliefs-flipping-the-bird

Hollings, D. (2025, July 9). The terms we use matter. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-terms-we-use-matter

Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal

Hollings, D. (2023, March 11). Unconditional life-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-life-acceptance

Hollings, D. (2023, February 25). Unconditional other-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-other-acceptance

Hollings, D. (2023, March 1). Unconditional self-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-self-acceptance

Hollings, D. (2023, May 3). Want vs. need. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/want-vs-need

Hollings, D. (2024, September 29). Well, well, well. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/well-well-well

Hollings, D. (2026, August 19). Wisdom and acting justly are one and the same. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/wisdom-and-acting-justly-are-one-and-the-same

Hollings, D. (2025, October 20). You need to stop. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/ you-need-to-stop

Kues1. (n.d.). Young Hispanic woman looking proud, arrogant, happy, surprised and satisfied, pointing to […] [Image]. Magnific. Retrieved from https://www.magnific.com/premium-photo/young-hispanic-woman-looking-proud-arrogant-happy-surprised-satisfied-pointing-self-feeling-like-winner_17669718.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=20&uuid=5b31c0a2-24cd-4d4a-bc27-2fe11e8ae167&track=ais_hybrid&query=arrogant

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Marcus Aurelius. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Moirai. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moirai

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Ryan Holiday. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Holiday