Which concept suggests that individuals develop their self-image based on others' perceptions?

The concept that suggests individuals develop their self-image based on others' perceptions is known as the looking-glass self. This idea, introduced by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley, emphasizes that our self-concept is shaped through three main components: how we imagine we appear to others, how we think others judge that appearance, and how we feel about those judgments. Essentially, we see ourselves reflected in the behaviors and attitudes of others, which in turn informs our self-perception and identity.

This concept is foundational in sociology as it sheds light on how social interactions and relationships contribute to our understanding of ourselves. It illustrates the dynamic nature of self-identity and highlights the influence of societal feedback on personal development.

In contrast, self-actualization refers to the realization of one's potential and is focused on individual growth rather than social feedback. Social mobility discusses the movement within or between social strata, which is unrelated to self-perception influenced by others. Cognitive dissonance involves the mental discomfort experienced when beliefs are contradicted by actions, rather than the process of forming one's self-image through others' perceptions.