Self-Concept Fagus Guides > Self-Concept Contents How to Use This Guide to Set Goals Introduction Developmental Sequence Overview Infancy                               (0-2 years) Early Childhood           (2-7 years) Middle Childhood      (7-11 years) Adolescence           …

How to Use This Guide to Set Goals Fagus Guides > Self-Concept How to Use This Guide to Set Goals Read the definition at the beginning of the introduction to familiarise yourself with the topic (decide if you want to read more of the introduction) Establish the child’s current point of development – where are…

Introduction Fagus Guides > Self-Concept Self-Concept Defining Self-Concept The term self-concept refers to the beliefs an individual has about themselves and how they perceive themselves as a person. Self-concept provides the answers to the questions, ‘Who am I?’, ‘Where do I belong?’ and ‘How do I fit in?’ (Oyserman, 2001). Within the literature, the terms…

Developmental Sequence Overview Fagus Guides > Self-Concept Developmental Sequence Overview Please note that developmental ranges and ages vary substantially from child to child within typical/neurotypical development. The sequence should be used only as a guide when determining a child’s current development. In writing this guide we have been mindful that every child is unique and…

Infancy (0-2 years) Fagus Guides > Self-Concept Infancy (0-2 years) Birth plays an active role in interactions with the caregiver 9 months proximity seeking behaviour and distress when separated from caregiver demonstrates that the child is aware of themselves as being separate to others (see Attachment) Proximity seeking behaviour Acting in ways that maintain physical…

Early Childhood (2-7 years) Fagus Guides > Self-Concept Early Childhood (2-7 years) 2 years language acquisition allows the child to talk about themselves (see Language Development) uses self-relevant pronouns (e.g. ‘I’ and ‘me’) differentiates between themselves and others in speech (e.g. ‘I’ and ‘you’) makes self-evaluations (e.g. “I can run fast”) (see Self-Esteem) demonstrates an…

Middle Childhood (7-11 years) Fagus Guides > Self-Concept Middle Childhood (7-11 years) self-conceptions become more sophisticated at approximately 8 years during middle childhood there is a shift to self-understanding in terms of enduring personality traits (e.g. outgoing, funny, smart, nice) traits rather than physical attributes now that children are capable of social comparison (see Awareness…

Adolescence (11-19 years Overview) Fagus Guides > Self-Concept Adolescence (11-19 years Overview) defines self using personal beliefs and standards – ‘abstract self-concept’ uses more psychological self-descriptions (e.g. “I am naturally a sensitive person”, “I am lonely”) self-concepts become more differentiated and better organised conceptualises self along different dimensions based on individual experience (e.g. academics, hobbies,…

Progression through Adolescence Fagus Guides > Self-Concept Progression through Adolescence Early adolescence (11-14 years) uses abstract concepts as self-descriptors (e.g. extrovert) abstract concepts combine a number of traits (e.g. loud, funny, talkative → extrovert) may not fully understand abstract self-concepts which may lead to a misunderstanding of their self-concept ‘overdifferentiates’ abstract concepts thinks of different…

Self-Concept: Example Objectives, Goals and Plans Fagus Guides > Self-Concept Self-Concept: Example Objectives, Goals and Plans Pupil A is 10 years old. His teacher has noticed that he has an immature self-concept for his age – he refers to visible characteristics, preferences and possessions when asked to describe himself but struggles to label personality characteristics.…

Glossary Fagus Guides > Self-Concept Glossary Abstract concept: an idea or concept that cannot be physically sensed Abstract self-concept: a definition of self which incorporates characteristics which are not directly observable, integrating personal beliefs, standards and ideologies, and is dependent on factors which are not directly observable (e.g. perceived intelligence) Clique: a group of peers…

References Fagus Guides > Self-Concept References Buist, K.L., Deković, M., Meeus, W., & van Aken, M. A. G. (2002). Developmental patterns in adolescent attachment to mother, father and sibling. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 31(30), 167–176. DeBord, K. (1996). Childhood years: Ages six through twelve. USA: North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Dowling, M. (2005). Young…