Self-Schemas

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Self-schemas are a type of schema (a mental model stored in long-term memory), which are organized beliefs and knowledge about particular aspects of ourselves, developed from experience. They can concern our personality, abilities, appearance, relationships, social roles, interests, and other characteristics. Self-schemas help us quickly process self-relevant information by influencing what we notice, remember, and expect about ourselves. Because new information is often interpreted through what we already believe, established self-schemas can also become resistant to contradictory evidence. They develop and change throughout life, though some may become remarkably persistent. Also see Mood-Congruent Effects