The Basic Self Concept
This is the concept proper which is the individual's perception of his or her abilities and status. It is the perception of the roles to be played in the outside world. This concept is influenced by one's physical self, personal appearance, dress, and grooming; by abilities and disposition, values, beliefs, and aspirations.
The rapid changes that take place during adolescence in height, weight, body build, facial appearance, and voice bring about changes in the adolescent's body image. Such matters as not having clothes like the other youngsters and not having a home where one can entertain friends without feeling embarrassed decrease one's conception of his or her own importance. They bring on feelings of social incompetence. They make more difficult the problem of appraising true ability and worth.
The self concept is enhanced when there is intellectual ability to meet problems. The slow reader, for example, may find difficulty in learning, thus causing negative self concepts to operate in learning situations. Even for the person with intellectual abilities and good learning habits, the self-Concept still has its ups and downs.
