Self-Schema: Definition, Examples, Causes, and Effects

The term schema refers to the cognitive structures we use to describe various categories of knowledge about the world. When it comes to ourselves, these are known as self-schemas.

We all have ideas and beliefs about ourselves and others, which impact our thoughts and behaviors.

Understanding Self-Schemas

Self-schemas are categories of knowledge that reflect how we expect ourselves to think, feel, and act in particular settings or situations. These beliefs include our overall perceptions of ourselves ("outgoing," "shy," "talkative"), as well as our knowledge of past experiences in similar situations.

Self-Schema Definition: The American Psychological Association defines self-schema as a cognitive framework of beliefs and information about the self that guides and influences a person's perceptions and attention.

For instance, if you have to give a speech, your self-schema might be that you are shy in public speaking situations. This belief, along with your past experiences, helps you predict how you will feel, think, and act in this scenario.

People who strongly identify with a particular trait are described as being self-schematic in that dimension. For example, someone who believes they are outgoing and not timid would be considered self-schematic in that area. If a person does not hold a schema for a particular dimension, they are said to be aschematic.

Examples of Self-Schemas

Self-schemas can encompass various aspects of our identity, including behaviors, personality traits, physical characteristics, and interests. Here are a few examples:

Behavioral Self-Schemas:

• "I'm assertive."
• "I'm quiet."
• "I avoid conflict."

Personality Trait Self-Schemas:

• "I'm shy."
• "I'm friendly."
• "I'm compassionate."

Physical Characteristic Self-Schemas:

• "I'm pretty."
• "I'm overweight."
• "I'm tall."

Interest-Related Self-Schemas:

• "I love sports."
• "I like art."
• "I enjoy music."

How Do Self-Schemas Work?

Here are some key characteristics of self-schemas:

Individualized Nature: Each person's self-schemas are unique and influenced by their experiences, relationships, upbringing, society, and culture. Our self-perceptions are shaped by how we are raised, interact with others, and the feedback we receive from societal situations.

Bipolar Dimensions: Many self-schemas involve bipolar dimensions, such as loud versus quiet, mean versus kind, shy versus outgoing, and active versus passive. Most traits exist as a continuum, with people falling somewhere in the middle of the extremes.

Formation of Our Self-Concept: Our various self-schemas combine and interact to form our self-concept. Our self-concepts are complex, reflecting our ongoing learning and analysis of ourselves. As we gain new knowledge and experiences, we may add to or reconfigure our existing self-schemas and self-concepts.

Self-Schemas About Our Future Selves: In addition to holding self-schemas about our current selves, some experts suggest we also have self-schemas about our future selves. These reflect our thoughts on how we will turn out in the coming years, including both positive and negative ideas.

Factors Influencing Self-Schema Formation

Several factors play a role in the formation of self-schema:

Early Childhood Experiences: Our initial self-schemas begin to form in early childhood based on feedback from parents and caregivers. Involved and interested parents foster positive self-schemas, while low levels of involvement are associated with negative self-schemas.

Social Relationships: Psychologists suggest that self-schemas arise from our social relationships. As we meet new people and become part of new social groups, the feedback we receive from others shapes our sense of self.

Life Experiences: Self-schemas are also shaped by the various roles we play throughout life. Our experiences as friends, siblings, parents, coworkers, and in other roles influence how we think and feel about ourselves and how we act in particular situations.

Can You Change Negative Self-Schema?

Negative or unhealthy self-schemas can be changed. Research indicates that engaging in certain activities, such as expressive writing, can help individuals change their sexual self-schemas.

How Self-Schemas Influence Behavior

Self-schemas significantly influence our behavior. For instance, people who consider themselves independent or dependent tend to perform better in tasks aligned with those traits. If you believe you are self-schematic on a particular dimension, you are more likely to perform well in that area.

Determining Your Self-Schemas

To get a better understanding of your self-schemas, ask yourself "Who am I?" and write down 15 different answers without overthinking. This exercise can provide insights into your core self-schemas.

Strategies for Changing Negative Self-Schemas

Various strategies can help you change and overcome negative self-beliefs, including:

• Cognitive Reframing: Identify and actively change negative self-beliefs to ones that are more positive or neutral.
• Positive Self-Talk: Focus on changing your internal monologue to something more helpful when you find yourself saying or thinking negative things about yourself.
• Positive Affirmations: Use positive statements to help you feel more capable and less negative about yourself.
• Journaling: Writing down your feelings in a journal can help you spot patterns and actively work to change your self-beliefs.
• Therapy: Talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial if negative self-schemas are holding you back or contributing to psychological distress.

Overall, self-schemas play a significant role in shaping our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Understanding and working on negative self-schemas can lead to a more positive and healthy outlook on life.