User:Professorisla/Circle of Self Theory

Circle of Self Theory The Circle of Self Theory is a concept that suggests that the 'self', if indeed it can be so simplistically defined, is made up of three concentric circles. This idea was spawned partially from the consideration of the nature/nurture debate and partially from a proposal of Christian author Dr Tim Elmore, in his book "Habitudes: Images that form leadership habits and attitudes". Dr Elmore proposes that the individual has four 'images' of themselves (also illustrated in concentric circles): The centre is God's image of us, moving out to the image we have of ourselves, then the image we project to others, and finally the image other have of us. The Circle of Self Theory takes some of Elmore's circles and develops the ideas within them.

The Theory asserts that the self is not a thing simply of our own definition, but comprises three parts that influence each other: The central circle is the essence of who you are. Fixed facts about who you are such as your date of birth, ethnicity, family background, nationality, medical condition and stretching through to the more flexible and developing realms of your opinions, your dreams, your preferences and your political and religious views. The second circle comprises of how you view yourself, your self-image, if you will. It is your own opinion of the first circle. It can be as accurate or as skewed as your own mind allows. A medical condition, an aspect from the first circle, such as annorexia, can greatly distort the accuracy of the relationship between the first and second circles. A disturbance in the ripples of the circle. The third circle represents others' perceptions of you. Again, there may be inaccuracy in the relationship between this and the first and second circles, particularly if there is a discrepancy between the information in circle one and the perception of said information in circle two. This can result in misunderstanding of the individual by others as they are not faithfully representing themself. However, sometimes, the outsider can place a more accurate picture of the individual than the individual themselves, for example in the case of annorexia or other mental illness, the individual believes an image of themselves that is not the case.

Any disparity in relation between the circles can result in the individual finding it hard to form lasting relationships as they may not know themselves deeply enough to transfer that knowledge to another person, or indeed trust another person. Their insecurities may run deeper than their own self-knowlege.

The Circle of Self Theory was created by Isla van Tricht. The aim of the Theory is to examine different aspects that impact one's identity and to think deeply about the implications of knowing oneself accurately and portraying that to others. Essentially the message is being true to yourself.