What does awareness of self and surroundings refer to in psychology?

Awareness of self and surroundings refers to consciousness, which encapsulates the state of being aware of one's thoughts, existence, and the environment. In psychology, consciousness is a complex concept that involves the ability to experience thoughts, sensations, and feelings actively. It is what allows individuals to process and respond to their environment and to recognize their own mental state.

Perception relates to the interpretation of sensory information, while attention involves the focus on specific stimuli within the environment or one's thoughts. Cognition encompasses broader mental processes including thinking, learning, and problem-solving. While these terms are related to aspects of mental function, they do not fully capture the holistic sense of being aware, which is central to the concept of consciousness.