How does self-concept evolve during childhood?

Self-concept evolves during childhood through socialisation, cognitive development and feedback from others.

During early childhood, self-concept is based on physical characteristics and abilities. As children grow, they become more aware of their emotional states, preferences and social roles. By middle childhood, they begin to compare themselves to others and evaluate their own abilities and personality traits. This process is known as social comparison.

Cognitive development also plays a crucial role in the evolution of self-concept. As children's cognitive abilities develop, they become more capable of understanding abstract concepts such as personality traits and values. This allows them to form a more complex and nuanced self-concept.

Feedback from others also influences the development of self-concept. Positive feedback can enhance self-esteem and reinforce positive self-concept, while negative feedback can lower self-esteem and lead to a negative self-concept. This feedback can come from parents, peers, teachers, and other significant adults in a child's life.

Overall, self-concept evolves throughout childhood as children become more aware of themselves and their abilities, and as they receive feedback from others. It is a dynamic process that continues to evolve throughout adolescence and adulthood.