Self-concept is the cognitive and emotional understanding individuals hold about their identity. It evolves through various developmental stages, beginning in infancy and maturing as children grow. This concept influences how individuals perceive their abilities, interact with others, and manage challenges throughout life.

Infancy and Emerging Recognition

During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their reflection in a mirror for another child. However, by around 18 months, toddlers start to recognize themselves in the mirror. This recognition can be tested by experiments, such as placing a red mark on a child's nose and observing if they touch the mark when looking in the mirror, which indicates self-recognition. This behavior, known as the mirror test, is observed in humans and some animal species, and marks an important step in self-awareness.

Early Childhood: Social Awareness and Gender Roles

From ages 2 to 4, self-concept expands as children engage in social interactions. While toddlers enjoy playing with peers, they may struggle to share possessions, highlighting the egocentric nature of this stage. During this time, play becomes vital for exploring and understanding gender roles. By age 4, children show significant progress in social skills, cooperating with others, sharing when prompted, and separating from caregivers with reduced anxiety. They also exhibit growing autonomy, initiating activities and following plans independently.

Middle Childhood: Group Identity and Personality

By age 6, self-concept incorporates group identification and social comparison. Children begin to define themselves in terms of social roles, such as "I am a student" or "I am a soccer player," and assess their abilities relative to peers. They also recognize personality traits within themselves and aspire to emulate qualities they admire in others, such as kindness or bravery.

A well-developed and positive self-concept fosters confidence, independence, and resilience, enabling children to explore new experiences and cope effectively with challenges.