Self-Concept Vs. Categorical Self

The self-concept is how ones’ self perceives themselves. Whether one sees themselves positively or negatively. Lewis (1990) suggests that there are two types, the existential self and the categorical self. The existential self is when we realize that we are separate from others and the categorical self is when we realize that we are a part of this world, and begin to categorize ourselves into things like gender and age. We see each other very differently than we see ourselves, for example we praise celebrities with the exact same body type as us yet, we call ourselves fat. We judge ourselves more than we judge others by saying things like “ugh, I look like trash today” or “I look so fat in this outfit.” But, it can also be used as a tool to praise ourselves, we say things like “I look good today” or “I just crushed that test!!” Depending on how we use our self-concept determines whether it is good or bad. The self-concept is important because it

According to simple psychology, “Self-esteem (also known as self-worth) refers to the extent to which we like accept or approve of ourselves, or how much we value ourselves. Self-esteem always involves a degree of evaluation and we may have either a positive or a negative view of ourselves.” There are two types of self-esteem, high self-esteem and low self-esteem, each make you feel a certain way. High self-esteem (positive self-view) makes you feel confident in our own abilities, self-accepting, not worried about what others think, and optimistic. These are all good things that everyone should strive for in life. Low self-esteem makes you feel not confidence, wanting to be/look like someone else, always worried what others might think, pessimistic. This is bad and no one should have low self-esteem. Argyle (2008) believes there are 4 major factors that influence self-esteem, the reaction of others, comparison with of others, social roles, and