What does the term "self-schema" refer to?

The term "self-schema" refers to a stable set of memories that summarize beliefs and experiences about oneself. It serves as a cognitive framework that organizes past experiences, influences perception, and guides future behavior. Self-schemas help individuals define who they are, including their attributes, roles, and values. They play a significant role in how people process information related to themselves, as individuals tend to remember information that is consistent with their self-schema while overlooking or forgetting information that contradicts it. This cognitive structure is fundamental in shaping one’s identity and affects personal decision-making and emotional responses.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of psychology. One option discusses a person's outlook on human development, which does not encompass the specific, organized nature of self-beliefs and experiences that define a self-schema. Another option pertains to a particular attitude, which is more about feelings toward specific items or issues rather than a comprehensive understanding of oneself. Lastly, the notion of understanding situations and people relates more to social perception and cognitive processing in interpersonal contexts, rather than the internalized beliefs one holds about themselves.