Schema model of the self-concept.

The centrality of the self-concept in maintaining physical and psychosocial well-being is widely recognized in nursing. Despite its importance, progress in the development of an empirically-supported and clinically-relevant theoretical framework has been limited by difficulties in defining and measuring the construct. The schema model of the self-concept is presented as a theoretical framework that has the potential for explaining how the self-concept functions to influence emotional and behavioral responses to events relevant to health and well-being.