Thoughts on Child and Adolescent Development- Self Concept and Self Esteem

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Self concept is the cognitive aspect of self (Huitt, 2009).  This introspective view of oneself includes the system of beliefs, vies and opinions, attitudes and perspectives, one holds about themselves (Huitt, 2009).  This is a generalized, holistic view while self esteem categorizes or contains components of the self concept (Huitt, 2009).

Self concept is the focus of Erickson's stage of development referred Industry versus Inferiority (Berk, 2008).  This stage of development is often referred to as Latency (Harder, 2009).  In this stage of development, children gain feelings of competence as they learn and acquire new skills, overcome new obstacles, and take on new challenges (Berk, 2008).   Children become capable of new skills and the knowledge base then increases furthering industry (Harder, 2009). Feelings of inferiority emerge when these new challenges are not met and when the child begins to see inadequacies with themselves as they compare to peers (Berk, 2008).  Feelings of inferiority are directly related to perceived inadequacies as they view their peer's abilities (Harder, 2009).  Also during this period, social comparisons begin to emerge where the child notices physical attributes and compares to their peers, examines their abilities and perceptions of how others view them (Berk, 2008).  These comparisons reflect several peers, not just one, as is noted in earlier stages of development (Berk, 2008).

 

During middle childhood the ability to change behavior and establish the connection of specific characteristics to desired behaviors is developed (Berk, 2008).  This allows children to perceive characteristics as positive and welcomed by peers, thus assuming the behaviors attributed to these characteristics are the behaviors to strive for (Berk, 2008).  Self concept, therefore, is the result of cognitive abilities and the feedback from peers (Berk, 2008).  The formula can be explained as the perception of what the child perceives peers to think about the child minus the view the child has of themselves equals the self concept.

 

Self Esteem is defined as feelings of self worth due to success in a specific domain that children self evaluate (Berk, 2008).  Children evaluate at least four common areas that include academics, social competencies, physical abilities, and physical appearance (Berk, 2008).  Physical attributes are considered the greatest influence of self worth for a child during this stage of development (Berk, 2008). 

 

Self esteem, as well as, self concept can be influenced by a variety of external factors.  Culture impacts self esteem based on the traditional child rearing methods.  Some cultures praise achievements while others promote humble acceptance of one's abilities (Berk, 2008).  Some cultures promote social comparisons through activities, competition, etc. (Berk, 2008).  Some cultures, however, focus on family rather than social activities (Berk, 2008).  Gender bias is also an influential factor in the parental expectations placed on the child may promote or deter a skill or desired activity (Berk, 2008).  The family structures, especially extended family units that provide supportive environments for child development, are influential on positive self esteem (Berk, 2008).  The neighborhood or community plays a critical factor in the development of self concept and worth.  Some research indicates that the relationships with school and community are far more significant than parental relationships at this stage of development (Harder, 2009).  Thus the characteristics viewed by these local influences have the capability of altering self concept during these developmental years.  In positive, supportive communities, this value system can improve the child's perception of self.  However, in areas of high crime, gang activity, etc. it may negatively influence a child's behavior in an attempt for the child to be perceived positively by his peers.

 

Valerie Poling

 

 References:

Berk, L. (2008). Infants, Children and Adolescents. Boston: Pearson.

Harder, A. (2009). The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson. Retrieved 03 02, 2010, from The Learning Place Online. com: http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm

Huitt, W. (2009). Self Concept and Self Esteem. Retrieved 03 02, 2010, from Educational Psychology Interactive: Self concept and self esteem: http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/regsys/self.html