Psychological awareness

Psychological awareness, particularly self-awareness, encompasses understanding one's own emotions, behaviors, and motivations. Here are critical insights from trusted experts on the topic:

1. Benefits of Self-Awareness:

   • According to Jemma Sbeg, self-awareness enhances confidence, creativity, decision-making, and relationship-building. It decreases tendencies towards immoral or antisocial behaviors like lying or cheating, fostering a general sense of contentment 1.

2. Development of Self-Awareness:

   • Self-awareness begins as early as 18 months, with children recognizing themselves in mirrors. By ages 4-5, self-consciousness develops, enabling awareness of external perceptions and leading to social behaviors 1.

3. Types of Self-Awareness:

   • Jemma Sbeg distinguishes between public (external) and private (internal) self-awareness. Public self-awareness drives how we wish to be perceived, while private self-awareness pertains to introspection. Balancing both leads to self-consciousness, vital for deeper self-understanding without insecurity 2.

4. Potential Downsides:

   • Excessive self-awareness can lead to mental burnout, as constant self-analysis and contemplation may be draining. Striking a balance is crucial for maintaining mental health while benefiting from psychological insights 3.
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       Understanding Self Awareness

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       Self Awareness Spectrum

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       Self-Awareness Dilemma

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       The Power of Awareness

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       Building Healthy Relationships

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5. Awareness and Behavior:

   • Judson Brewer highlights the importance of awareness in behavior change, particularly in understanding the results of our actions. Recognizing the consequences of negative behaviors or experiencing kindness helps in modifying actions towards more positive patterns 4.

6. Relationship Building:

   • In relationships, Les Parrott emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness to be psychologically healthy. Only by understanding and addressing personal issues can one build healthier relationships and avoid using others to fulfill personal voids 5.

By cultivating self-awareness, individuals can lead more meaningful lives, improve relationships, and better manage behaviors and emotions.