Reference Library Age and Self-Concept

Adolecence begain to develop abstract thinking which fundimentally changes their self-concepts, allowing them to think of theselves in abstract ways. They typically develop multiple selves, which are present based on who they interact with. The person they are around family is different than around friends. A person can be extroverted when around family and introverted at school - two conflicting identities that are still both true to the person.

Self-concept in Adolecence 

Infants initially lack a self-concept, an understanding of their own identity. For example, when presented with a mirror, a young infant will interact with their reflection as if it were another baby. A key indicator of developing self-awareness, known as self-recognition, emerges around 18 months of age. This is often demonstrated through the mirror test, where a toddler who sees a mark on their nose in the mirror will touch their own nose, not the reflection. This development continues, and by 24 to 36 months, children can typically identify themselves in photographs.

Development of Self-Concept in Infancy and Toddlerhood

After establishing a basic self-concept, children's understanding of themselves evolves through several stages. From ages 2 to 4, they exhibit increased social behavior, enjoy playing with peers, and begin to understand gender roles, though sharing can be difficult. By age 4, they develop cooperation, can share when asked, and show autonomy by initiating tasks. At age 6, their self-concept expands to include group memberships, such as identifying as a first-grader. During the school-age years, children engage in social comparison, evaluating themselves against peers to identify their competencies and personality traits.

Development of Self-Concept in Childhood

The development of self-concept can be mapped onto Erikson's psychosocial stages. It begins during the toddlerhood stage (autonomy vs. shame), where confidence in one's abilities is formed. It continues in elementary school (industry vs. inferiority), where social comparisons build a sense of competence. Finally, it is re-evaluated in adolescence (identity vs. role confusion), as teens internalize feedback to form a stable identity.

Evolution of Self-Concept Through Erikson's Stages

A 5-year-old and a 15-year-old are both asked to describe themselves. The 5-year-old says, 'I have brown hair and I can run fast.' The 15-year-old says, 'I'm a loyal friend, but I can be a bit shy in big groups.' Which of the following statements best analyzes the developmental difference in their self-concepts?

Compare the self-concept of a typical 6-year-old with that of a 16-year-old. In your answer, explain the key developmental factors that account for the differences you identify.

Evolution of Self-Concept

Self concept can change based on a person's age and the events they have experienced in life.

Grinnell College

Google

A person's own perception or evaluation of themselves, includes feelings, attitudes, behaviors, desires, and judgements that one considers to be characteristic of themselves.

Self-Concept

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Age and Self concept

Number and interconnectedness among our self-conceptions.

Self-Complexity

The structure of the self-concept is multidimensional, constructed from different self-beliefs corresponding to different domains of the person’s identity and life experiences. These self-beliefs are organized into a hierarchy based on generality, with the general self-concept on the highest level and subordinate levels splitting into more and more specific domains. 

This structure allows for the existence of multiple self-concepts, which may be activated in specific domains and situations to influence how people think and behave in these specific contexts.

The Structure of the Self-Concept

A study conducted by Jacob L Nelson and Seth C Lewis searched to further understand the relationship between audience engagement with news and their trust in it. This relationship was explored by analyzing 60 recorded zoom interviews about U.S. adult’s political beliefs, self-perceptions, and their personal news consumption habits. The analysis considers the two concepts of partisan selective exposure and folk theories together to formulate a better overall understanding of the public’s relationship with news and journalists.

Introduction to study of self-perception’s effect on people’s approach to news

Albert Bandura's social-cognitive theory posits that personality develops through learning, a view he shared with Skinner. However, Bandura diverged from Skinner's strict behaviorism by emphasizing the critical role of cognitive processes like thinking and reasoning. This theory identifies three core concepts that interact to shape personality: reciprocal determinism, observational learning, and self-efficacy.

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