Psychology Self-Image and Holistic Development

Self-Image and Self-Concept

• Self-image describes an individual's perception of themselves, including physical appearance.
• Self-concept encompasses knowledge of one's unique existence and ability to recognize behaviors and feelings.

Incongruence

• Incongruence refers to the disparity between a person's ideal self and their actual experiences.

Holistic Human Development

• Holistic development involves integrating all aspects of a person, including physical, mental, and social well-being.

Health and Mental Health

• Health is defined as complete physical, mental, and social well-being, beyond merely the absence of illness.
• Mental health is characterized by realizing one’s abilities, coping with life's stresses, and working productively.

Personal Effectiveness

• Personal effectiveness is the utilization of individual talents and skills to achieve life goals.

Emotional and Social Development

• Emotional development includes recognizing, expressing, and managing feelings.
• Social development occurs as a child learns to interact with peers and their environment.

Developmental Stages

• Developmental stages according to Robert Havighurst include:
  • Prenatal
  • Infancy
  • Early Childhood
  • Late Childhood
  • Adolescence
  • Early Adulthood
  • Middle Age
  • Old Age

Key Areas of Human Development

• Birth marks the establishment of hereditary traits and fixed characteristics, including sex.
• Early adulthood involves adjusting to new life partnerships.

Brain Structure

• Neurons serve as the basic functional units of the nervous system.
• The brainstem connects the spinal cord to the brain.
• The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and consists of four lobes:
  • Frontal
  • Parietal
  • Temporal
  • Occipital
• The cerebellum is primarily associated with processing emotions and feelings.