Siegler, R., Eisenberg, N., Gershoff, E., Saffran, J., DeLoache, J., & Leaper, C. (2017). How children develop, 5th ed. Worth Publishers.

How Children Develop 5th edition

Grinnell College

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

Age and Self concept

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.

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