Definition and scope of Personal Image

Concept of image as perception and mental construction

Image is not simply what we see in the mirror, but is fundamentally defined as perception.

It is a psychological process by which the environment interprets and categorizes an individual.

In technical terms, perception can be understood as the imprint or memory that persists in someone's mind after interacting with a stimulus.

In other words, when we interact with others, we are not only physically present, but we are generating a series of data that the brain of the interlocutor processes to form a concrete idea of who we are.

It is crucial to understand that image is someone else's construct; it is not something we can impose directly, but a label that others assign to us based on what they feel and perceive about our presence.

Therefore, managing our image implies managing the messages we emit to influence others' decoding of our image.

Difference between personal, professional and public image

Although they are often used interchangeably, there are important nuances. Personal image focuses on the individual and physical sphere: how a person looks, moves and expresses him or herself on a daily basis. It is the basis of our projection.

Professional image, although derived from personal image, focuses on competencies and credibility within a specific work environment; it seeks to communicate efficiency and aptitude.

On the other hand, public image is a much broader and more complex concept. It is formed when an individual perception is massified and unified in a considerable group of people.

Public image not only encompasses the individual, but also includes institutional, visual and environmental dimensions.

To manage the latter at a corporate or political level requires an in-depth study of a science known as Imagology, which goes beyond simple wardrobe consulting.

The image equation: Stimulus + Receiver = Perception.

The process of image formation is not random, but follows a logical sequence that we can break down as a formula.

It all starts with a stimulus (our clothes, voice, gestures) that is sent to a receiver (the other person).

This receiver is not passive; his or her mind processes the information and generates a perception. This perception settles and becomes a mental image.

With the repetition of these stimuli and consistency over time, that mental image solidifies into an opinion, which evolves into an identity that others attribute to us.

Eventually, if that identity remains constant, it becomes our reputation.

It is vital to understand that it is much easier to build a new reputation from scratch than to try to modify an already consolidated negative image, due to the strength with which these perceptions take root in the collective mind.

Summary

Image is not only physical, but a mental construction and perception of others. It is a psychological process by which the environment interprets stimuli to label an individual.

There are key differences: personal image is the individual physical basis, professional image communicates work competencies, and public image implies a massification of perception in a broad group.

The process follows a logical equation: Stimulus plus Receiver equals Perception. With the constant repetition of these stimuli, the mental image solidifies and becomes a reputation.