2B. Development and Characteristics of the Self

In infancy, babies aren't born with an awareness of themselves. At birth, they don't recognize that they exist separately from their surroundings. This is known as a lack of self-awareness.

So how does a baby realize they're different from others?

Good question! Self-awareness begins to develop when infants can recognize their reflection in a mirror, typically around 18 months. They start using pronouns like 'I' and 'mine'.

What experiment can show this self-recognition?

An interesting experiment involves placing a dot on a baby's forehead and showing them a mirror. If they touch their forehead, they recognize that it's their reflection.

That's fascinating! So babies start to know themselves through these experiences?

Exactly! This recognition lays the foundation for identity development.

As children enter early childhood, around age 3, they begin to verbalize their self-concept using simple descriptions.

What kind of descriptions are they using?

They often describe themselves using physical characteristics, like 'I am tall', or by activities they can do, such as 'I can ride a bike'.

Do they compare themselves to others at this stage?

Not as much. Their self-descriptions are based on absolute terms rather than comparisons. This is the concrete phase of self-description.

Do they ever underestimate themselves?

Yes, young children sometimes overestimate their abilities. This confidence is part of their developing identity.

In middle childhood, children's self-descriptions become more sophisticated. They start thinking about their internal characteristics.

So they talk about their emotions and personality traits?

Correct! For instance, they might say, 'I'm good at making friends'. This marks a shift towards a more social and comparative view of themselves.

What do you mean by 'social descriptions'?

They start identifying with groups, saying things like 'I am in the basketball team'. This also reflects their social identity.

Are they also aware of their 'ideal self' versus 'real self' at this stage?

Yes, they begin distinguishing between who they are and who they want to be. This is important for future identity development.

Adolescence is a crucial period for identity formation. Many adolescents experience what's known as an identity crisis.

What causes these identity crises?

Three key factors contribute: an intense preoccupation with self, societal expectations, and rapid biological changes.

Isn't it normal for teens to feel conflicted about their identity?

Yes, and it's important to note that these feelings are part of the development process. They fluctuate between different self-descriptions.

How do cultural differences play into this?

Cultural contexts can shape how adolescents cope with these challenges. For instance, independence is emphasized in Western cultures, while interdependence is valued in many non-Western cultures.