Self-concept exists and develops throughout the lifespan, but this crucial element of development begins as a child. Although various cognitive development theorists may have different opinions as to what point in a child's life he becomes aware of himself and his place in his environment, most theorists agree that this concept develops in childhood.
Erikson's Second Stage
According to Erik Erikson, a respected cognitive development theorist, at around 18 months until age 3, a child will begin to develop a sense of self-concept. It's during this period that children begin to develop self-esteem, and the amount of self-esteem depends on his own feelings of shame or pride from doing wrong or right.
Erikson's Third and Fourth Stages
Starting as early as age 3, a child will begin to identify his own role based on what he knows about his parents' roles. He will recognize what it means to be a boy or a girl, and will experiment during playtime to play out roles of each sex. His self-concept is comparative in this stage, and the major people in his life at this point, his parents, are who he compares himself to.
In stage four, occurring around age 6 until 12, children begin to interact more with other children, and these experiences will help a child to either feel inferior or competent.
Stage Five
Adolescence is a major period of self-concept development. During the ages of 12 to 18, a child begins to quickly develop his own identity. He interacts socially and emphasis is put on how others view him. He may struggle with morals and values as he tries to find his inner compass, striving to be his own person.
Developing at Different Times
Children cannot always be compared to textbook theories, however. Every child is different, and because of this, your child may not develop at the same time, or in the same manner, as other children. For example, as a child develops cognitively, he will progress at his own pace, building on his existing knowledge of what he perceives himself to be. Likewise, a child may not begin the journey of self-concept at 18 months of age; rather, this portion of cognitive development may occur 6 months or a year later. However, once self-concept is discovered, it will grow and change throughout childhood and on through all of life's stages.
