Question

Give a detailed account of development of an individual’s Self concept through the stages of life.

Answer 1

Self concept is defined as the totality of perceptions that each person has of himself/herself. It is an organized set of perceptions that we hold about our abilities which develops from social interactions and experiences. It is the totality of complex, organized, and dynamic systems of learned beliefs, attitudes, and opinions that each person holds to be true about his or her personal existence. The overall organization of self concept is common for all.
Till the age of 6 months, the child is unaware of himself. He then develops the distinction between 'me' and 'what is not me'. By 18 months, face recognition in the mirror occurs. The child begins using personal pronouns and indulges in pretend play. By 2 years of age, the child begins to develop self esteem and becomes aware of expectations of good or bad behaviour. Between ages 3-4, self concept is based on recognizing themselves and others as boys/girls as well as on their talents. Ages 5-6 are the beginning of social comparison. Private self concept (thoughts, feelings that others are unaware of) also develops. In adolescence, there is the final unfolding of self concept. It involves perspective-taking i.e., to understand the point of view of others. Adolescents may become self conscious and enter the stage of objective self awareness, where they want to become attractive and popular.