Definition

1. Noun:
   • The application of psychotherapeutic principles to the analysis of one's own personality: The process of using psychological methods to examine and understand one's own character, emotions, and mental processes.
   • A penetrating examination of one's own beliefs and motives: A deep and thorough self-inspection of the reasons behind one's thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Her journey of self-analysis helped her understand the roots of her anxiety.
  • Through honest self-analysis, he realized his competitive drive stemmed from childhood.
  • The philosopher's writings are a profound exercise in self-analysis.

Advanced Usage

• "To engage in self-analysis": To actively undertake the process of examining oneself.
  • After the criticism, she engaged in a period of quiet self-analysis.
• "A tool for self-analysis": A method or framework used to facilitate self-examination.
  • Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-analysis.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-analytical (adj): Characterized by or given to self-analysis.
  • He has a very self-analytical nature, always questioning his own motives.
• Self-exam (n): A short form sometimes used informally for self-examination, which can be synonymous with self-analysis in certain contexts.
  • The course encourages a weekly self-exam of personal goals.

Synonyms

• Introspection: The examination of one's own thoughts and feelings.
• Soul-searching: Deep and anxious consideration of one's emotions and motives.

Related Phrases

• Self-reflection: Serious thought about one's character and actions. (Note: This is often less clinical than ).
• Self-scrutiny: Critical observation of oneself.

Noun

1. the application of psychotherapeutic principles to the analysis of your own personality
2. a penetrating examination of your own beliefs and motives