What is the self according to James
self as two major components
Existential self
the subjective “I” who experiences the world
Categorical self
the objective “me” seen and evaluated in the world
Self according to Harter
the self as a broad concept that can be divided into 3 distinct but interrelated elements
Self schema
an internal cognitive portrait of the self used to organize information about the self
Selman’s 5 stages of self-awareness
Cognitive-developmental approach
Level 0 (infancy) Level 1 (Early childhood) Level 2 (middle childhood) Level 3 (preadolescence) Level 4 (adolescence)
Selman’s level 0
Infancy
children understand their physical existence but
don’t display an awareness of separate psychological existence
Selman’s level 1
Early childhood
Child separates psychological states from behaviour; thoughts can control actions
Selman’s level 2
Middle childhood
The self can be hidden from others but cannot be hidden from oneself
Selman’s level 3
Preadolescence
Self represents a stable component of personality
Selman’s level 4
Adolescence
Self cannot ever be completely known
Bandura’s theory of self
Self evolves from self-efficacy and self-regulation
Environmental/learning approach
Self-efficacy
A person’s perception of his or her ability to succeed at various tasks
Evaluative self reactions
Consequences people apply to themselves as a result of meeting (or not) personal standards
- motivates children to behave in accordance with their internal standards
Bowlby’s attachment theory
Responsive care-giving can influence self-development
evolutionary and biological approach
When did self-consciousness emerge?
Some hominids (I.e. orang-utans & chimpanzees) and possibly dolphins exhibit some self-recognition
How does self-awareness contribute to adaptation?
Self-awareness is thought to have evolved as part of living in complex social groups - allows us to understand the mental state of others
What is the neurobiological source of self-awareness?
Some aspects of self-awareness may be encapsulated in modules in the brain (prefrontal areas)
Sociocultural approach to the self
Culture + self
cultures vary in
1) the age @ which an individual is defined as a “person”
2) possible incarnations of the “self” in time and space
3) in notions of the “ideal” self
Cultural perceptions of self begin early
Self-knowledge: perception
Infants can imitate adult facial expressions
- 3 m.o. infants perceive their own Motor control
Personal agency
child understands that he/she can have an impact on the world
Visual self recognition
3 months: can discriminate still images of self vs. others
- prefer to view image of other
5 months: when still images are altered so cheeks have a mark on them, looking preference changes
- more time spent looking @self
Mirror self-recognition/The Mark test (Gallup, 1970)
children who pass this test understand that a spot on the forehead relates to them (shown by reaching response)
** recognition of the self in photographs occurs several months after mirror self-recognition