In psychology, insight can be described as the skill of having a clear and profound perception concerning personal thoughts, feelings and actions. It is an understanding of patterns in oneself and associating them with previous experiences or the ongoing challenges. Insight is regarded as valuable components of self-awareness, as it enables people to observe more than superficial issues and comprehend the roots of them.
To give an example, a therapy participant may discover that the fear of being rejected is the result of their childhood experiences, and this will help them make sense of the present relationship challenges. Insight is also important in clinical psychology, as the level of insight is often the predictor of treatment outcomes, and the more insight a person has, the more likely that the person will participate in the treatment process, and also implement the coping measures effectively. Studies emphasize the fact that insight differs among mental illnesses, and conditions such as schizophrenia have lower levels of insight. The ability to gain a deeper understanding can empower one to make meaningful changes, enhance relationships, and enhance psychological health.