Self-Image
Self-image reflects how we see and perceive ourselves. It consists of various aspects of our self-perception that we develop as we grow, especially during our early years. To a great extent, it is shaped by how our parents and significant figures in our lives treated and viewed us while we were growing up. As young children, we unconsciously internalize their emotions, expectations, and criticisms, forming an image of ourselves based on these influences.
What is your general perception of yourself? Take the test below to find out.
TEST: How Positive Is Your Self-Image?
Mark “True” or “False” next to each statement.
- My thinking is mostly negative. For example, I tend to see the glass as “half-empty” rather than “half-full.”
- I constantly apologize.
- I often tell myself, “I should have / shouldn’t have done this or that.”
- I frequently criticize myself negatively.
- My feelings about myself depend mainly on what others think of me.
- I often dwell on my mistakes, criticizing myself over and over again.
- I feel like I am always disappointing the people who care about me.
- I feel like I carry the weight of the whole world on my shoulders.
- For me, a small failure is just as serious as a big one.
- I often put others first and step back to please them.
- I’m never sure I’ve done something well unless someone else points it out to me.
- It is difficult for me to forgive and forget.
- I feel that I have to work harder than others to maintain social relationships and that my relationships are bound to fail.
- I often think that if I don’t do something as well as others, it means I’m not as good as they are.
- I usually think that if I can’t do something well, then there’s no point in trying at all.
Results
For each statement you marked as “True,” give yourself 1 point.
- 0–4 points: You generally have a positive mindset and should feel good about yourself. Keep it up!
- 5–8 points: You may struggle with some negative emotions. Take time to reassess your strengths.
- 9 or more points: You seem to be very self-critical. Challenge yourself to change your way of thinking! If needed, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a mental health professional.
