What term is commonly used to describe the multiple layers of personal identity, including self-perception and social roles?

The term that most accurately describes the multiple layers of personal identity, which encompass self-perception and social roles, is self-concept. Self-concept refers to the comprehensive understanding an individual has of themselves, shaped by experiences, beliefs, and interactions with others. It includes both how one sees themselves and how they believe others see them, integrating various aspects such as personality traits, social roles, and achieved identities throughout life.

Self-concept is essential in psychology and human development because it directly influences behavior, self-esteem, and mental health. It helps individuals navigate their relationships and societal expectations, ultimately playing a crucial role in personal development.

While terms like social identity, collective identity, and personal narrative touch on aspects of identity, they do not encompass the full breadth of personal identity layers in the same way. Social identity focuses more on how individuals classify themselves within social groups, collective identity emphasizes shared characteristics among groups, and personal narrative refers to the story one tells about their life experiences. All these components contribute to the self-concept, but self-concept itself provides the most holistic view of personal identity.