Difference Between Self-Concept and Self-Esteem

On many occasions, self-concept and self-esteem are used as synonyms. However, although they are closely related terms, they are different. Self-concept is the image that one has of oneself and self-esteem is the subjective assessment that a person makes of himself.

Nobody doubts that self-concept and self-esteem are two terms that go hand in hand. However, they are different. On many occasions they are confused and it is necessary to know in depth what each term entails.

Both concepts are used many times in the different types of psychology that exist. But if we have to highlight a difference between the two, above the rest, it is that self-esteem is much more related to the subjective part of the individual.

Self - esteem is the subjective assessment that a person makes of himself. These assessments can be negative or positive depending on the value you are giving to her ideas or thoughts.

For example, if I have the permanent idea that I am not handsome and on some occasion someone has referred to my appearance in a derogatory way, it is likely that this idea will become a general truth and my physical assessment of me will be very negative. .

Self - concept, unlike self -esteem, is the opinion or image one has of oneself. The way one can describe oneself. It appeals more to the rational than subjective part.

Main differences between self-esteem and self-concept

These are the main differences between both concepts:

• The self-concept is the mental image of how we are. It does not go into value judgments, but it is a way of describing ourselves. Appeal to the cognitive.
• Self-esteem involves evaluations that we make of ourselves subjectively. Emotions and the way we judge ourselves come into play.
• The self-concept can be described in words, it is related to the rational part. However, self-esteem can hardly be explained through language, since it is more emotional.