A pattern of perceptions or ideas about the self, which can be strengthened

• Age
• Gender
• Developmental stage
• Health problems
• Past experience with health care system
• Mental status
• Belief system (norms, values, religion)
• Social interaction patterns
• Family system
• Perception of self (past and present), including body image, coping mechanisms, problem-solving ability, and self-worth

• Desires to enhance acceptance of limitations
• Desires to enhance acceptance of strengths
• Desires to enhance body image satisfaction
• Desires to enhance confidence in abilities
• Desires to enhance congruence between actions and words
• Desires to enhance role performance
• Desires to enhance satisfaction with personal identity
• Desires to enhance satisfaction with sense of worth
• Desires to enhance self-esteem

• Patient will articulate long- and short-term goals.
• Patient will express motivation necessary to achieve goals.
• Patient will develop realistic plan to achieve stated goals.
• Patient will practice self-management strategies needed to be successful.
• Patient will evaluate progress and modify behavior as needed.

Suggested NOC Outcomes

• Provide patient with materials and resources on health-related issues that affect the individual's attitude. Knowledge will enhance or inhibit patient's motivation or resolve.
• Answer questions related to written material so patient is adequately prepared to establish realistic goals.
• Assist patient in writing long- and short-term goals. These goals can serve as tools for self-evaluation as new behaviors are being practiced.
• Have patient list one or two realistic, practical behaviors that will facilitate achieving goals. The more positive the behaviors are, the greater the chance patient has of being successful.
• Assist patient to determine positive rewards for successful behavioral changes. Reinforcement is needed for new behavior to continue.

Suggested NIC Interventions

• Patient has realistic goals and workable plan for change.
• Patient responds positively to changes in self-concept.
• Patient demonstrates interest in evaluating progress.
• Patient shows a willingness to modify plan to continue reaching goals.

• Patient's expressions of self-concept
• Patient's adherence to plan
• Modifications to plan
• Patient's response to nursing interventions
• Evaluations for expected outcomes

• Maïano, C., Coutu, S., Morin, A. J. S., Tracey, D., Lepage, G., & Moullec, G. (2019). Self-concept research with school-aged youth with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 32(2), 238-255. doi:10.1111/jar.12543
• Xu, Q., Li, S., & Yang, L. (2019). Perceived social support and mental health for college students in mainland China: The mediating effects of self-concept. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 24(5), 595-604. doi:10.1080/13548506.2018.1549744
• Wong, A. E., & Vallacher, R. R. (2018). Reciprocal feedback between self-concept and goal pursuit in daily life. Journal of Personality, 86(3), 543-554. doi:10.1111/jopy.12334