Key terms & definitions

The ability to control desires and actions rather than immediately giving in to them.

The ability to control one’s own behaviour and follow rules without needing constant supervision or punishment.

A person’s belief in their ability to succeed at a particular task.

A person's belief in their ability to succeed at a particular task.

Working for oneself and providing goods or services to customers rather than working as an employee of another business.

A person's sense of their own worth or value.

How much a person values themselves.

Excluding oneself through one’s own choices; in Christian teaching about hell, rejecting communion with God through sin.

Existing independently, rather than being created by or dependent on another being.

A property of a moulded plastic whose surface needs no further finishing after forming.

A plastic whose surface needs no further finishing once it has been formed into its intended shape in a mould.

A plastic whose moulded surface needs no further surface finishing after forming.

A process in which an expectation influences how people are treated and behave, helping to make the expectation come true.

The ability of a community to govern itself through its own leaders, laws and institutions.

Individual or collective action to meet people's needs without relying on government assistance.

A group in which people with similar problems share experiences and provide mutual support as peers.

A scheme in which residents improve their own homes with support such as loans, materials or training.

A person's distinct identity: their sense of being an individual rather than simply an extension of someone else.

The development of a person’s abilities, knowledge or conduct. Dickens distinguishes becoming better educated or wealthier from becoming more considerate and responsible.

A defence of one’s own actions which presents them as reasonable or morally right.

Knowledge of one’s own motives, limitations and faults, rather than simply confidence in one’s abilities.

Acquiring knowledge or skills independently, for example by using learning materials or practising through trial and error.

Excessive admiration of oneself, which can prevent someone from understanding other people accurately.

A programme in which people take an active role in managing their own recovery, often using support from others with similar experiences.

Using a substance, such as alcohol or drugs, to try to relieve distress without appropriate medical guidance.

A skill whose start and speed, rate or pace are controlled by the performer.

The way a writer constructs an image of their own character, values or achievements for readers.

Protecting oneself from danger or harm; in DNA, this motive repeatedly conflicts with responsibility towards others.

Flour with baking powder already added, providing both the flour and a chemical raising agent in a recipe.

Realising the true nature of the spiritual self, rather than identifying only with the body, mind and personal desires.