How labels affect self-identity — Kathmandu Post
In Nepal, Gurung, a psychological counselor at the Happy Minds platform, explains in a column for Kathmandu Post that repeated labels such as “weak,” “shy,” or “smart” can affect how a person perceives themselves.
The author notes that people often use categories to understand unfamiliar people or complex phenomena more quickly. At the same time, definitions such as “doctor” or “addict” do not describe a person completely, although they can immediately create a certain impression of them.
When a description becomes self-esteem
Gurung gave the example of a 13-year-old boy with mild learning difficulties who was counseled by his supervisor. She noticed that the boy was putting in less effort than he could. He explained this by saying that he was often called a weak student, so he saw no point in trying harder.
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According to the author, there is a difference between the phrases “I find mathematics difficult” and “I am bad at mathematics.” The first describes an experience, while the second characterizes a person. When such a definition becomes part of self-identity, a person may unconsciously behave in ways that confirm it.
Positive labels also limit
A similar mechanism, Gurung says, can also apply to positive characteristics. A child considered “smart” may perceive a difficult task as a threat to this image, and a mistake as proof that they are not as intelligent as others thought. This can intensify the fear of failure; the child may also become accustomed to meeting others’ expectations and lose touch with their own desires.
The author suggests describing experiences more precisely: instead of “I am not a creative person,” say “I have explored my creativity very little,” and instead of “I am shy,” say “I often feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar social situations.” Labels may contain part of the truth, but they do not define a person completely, the column emphasizes.
