The Sensation of Being Somebody

the long version

This is a very good book on how a person's self-concept or self-image is developed from birth to and through adulthood. It is in three parts: "Part 1--What we are, Part 2-- How we became what we are, and Part 3--What we can become." "...Dr. Wagner goes further in illustrating throughly how the three elements of belongingness, wortherness, and competence form the three pillars of self-concept." (p. 11) "A relationship to Jesus Christ and a life of faith are paramount to a healthy self-concept, and these thoughts are not just presented, but are developed practically." (p. 11) "Persons with an inadequate self-concept spend much attention, time, and energy trying to establish a secure premise of self-identity in each situation instead of being able to function because they already have such a premise." (p. 13) I found it very practical. I have a copy of the first edition (1975) and can only guess that it got better and better as each new addition was added.