Self-awareness

/ˌsɛlf əˈwɛrnəs/ noun

Definition

The conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires. It involves recognizing yourself as an individual separate from others and understanding your internal states and reactions.

Etymology

Compound of 'self' (Old English 'seolf') and 'awareness' (from 'aware,' originally meaning 'wary' or 'cautious'). The psychological concept developed in the 1970s through the work of researchers like Shelley Duval and Robert Wicklund studying objective self-awareness.

Kelly Says

Self-awareness is like having an internal mirror that reflects not just your appearance but your thoughts and feelings! Interestingly, humans don't develop self-awareness until around 18 months old—it's the moment when a toddler recognizes themselves in a mirror and realizes 'that's me!'

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