Self-reflection

Self-reflection is a process of communicating internally with oneself. When one takes time to think about their character or behavior, they analyze the reasons that caused the behavior, where this comes from, what the outcome of the behavior means to them, is it effective for them and what they can do about it. Individuals process this information about themselves to help them find methods to deal with the information gained during the self-reflection process and applying this information to future behavior has been shown to elicit strength and joy.[4] Self-reflection helps people in multiple ways. First, self-reflection fortifies an individual’s emotional stability. When setting aside some effort to self-reflect they are looking inwards. This assists with building two parts to their emotional intelligence:[5] self-awareness and self-concept. Self-awareness enables a person to comprehend their feelings, qualities, shortcomings, drives, qualities, and objectives, and recognize their effect on others. Self-concept includes the capacity to control or divert their troublesome feelings and motivations and adjust to changing circumstances. Building these skills will improve both their personal and professional life.[6] Second, self-reflection enhances a person’s self-esteem and gives transparency for decision-making. Self-esteem is significant for dealing with a filled, complex life that incorporates meetings, vocation, family, network, and self-necessities. It helps in decision-making, effective communication, and building influence. The more they think about their qualities and how they can grow them the more confident they will be later on. A person may become happy with their good qualities and identify the ones that require growth. Third, the self-reflection process requires honesty of the individual in order to be effective. When a person is honest with themselves when self-reflecting, they are able to understand their experiences, this person can grow and makes changes based on what they have learned and lead them to better choices.  Fourth, self-reflection adapts a person’s actions in future situations. Making time to step back and consider their behaviors, the consequences of those behaviors, and the expectations of those behaviors can give them a source of a clear insight and learning.[7] A person engaging in self-reflection may ask themselves: What appeared to have a more remarkable impact? How can we accomplish a greater amount of that and enhance it? This cycle of reflection and variation—before, during, after actions—is regularly a recognized part of the process. Finally, self-reflection may create a positive mentality. An individual may try to keep their ideas and thoughts positive; however, they should be frank with themselves. They may view negative outcomes that may lead to self-culpability, or self-loathing—negative self-talk which may obstruct their progress throughout their everyday life

Various attempts have been made to identify a single behavioral characteristic that distinguishes humans from all other animals.

Many anthropologists think that readily observable characteristics (tool-making and language) are based on less easily observable mental processes that might be unique among humans: the ability to think symbolically, in the abstract, or logically; however, several species have demonstrated some abilities in these areas and neither is it clear at what point in human evolution these traits became prevalent. Such characteristics may not be restricted to the species, Homo sapiens, as the extinct species of the genus Homo, since Homo neanderthalensis and Homo erectus were adept tool makers and may have had linguistic skills.

In learning environments, reflection is an important processing part in order to maximize the utility of an experience. Rather than moving on to the next 'task' humans may review the process and outcome of a task and—with the benefit of a little distance (lapsed time)—may reconsider what the value of experience might be and for the context of which it was a part.

Often during meditation humans experience introspection. When the brain experiences introspection, it can be said to be "reflecting upon itself". The action is described as "the looking into our own minds and reporting what we there discover".[8]

A study done by Cara Rosaen and Rita Benn analyzed middle school students who had not meditated prior to the study. Researchers found young people meditating for the first time experienced "improvement in skills indicative of emotional intelligence (self-control, self-reflection/awareness, and flexibility in emotional response)".[8] The study concluded saying that middle school students who meditated for the first time experienced "increased state of restful alertness and greater capacity for self-reflection, self-control, and flexibility as well as improved academic performance."[8]

A study involving clients in a twelve-step program explored the role of self‑reflection through diary writing, not only as daily therapy, but in a retrospective context. The study concluded that clients who read and reflected on their past diary entries demonstrated increased participation in the treatment program.[9] The twelve-step program is based on self reflection and the accountability of actions past. The article by Mitchell Friedman indicates that success in one's recovery relies on self-reflection.[10]

• Affect labeling
• Anthropocentrism
• Human condition
• Identity (social science)
• Metacognition
• Psychological mindedness
• Wisdom