Topic 12

Topic 12: Self-Concept, Self-Perception and its Link to Psychosocial Development

Overview

• The self-perception of children is linked to evaluations received from significant others in their lives, as per research from Bong & Clark (1999) and Harter, Waters & Whitesell (1998).

• As children grow older, they compare themselves to others and internalize the messages from adults, particularly during primary school.

• Initially, young children define themselves in terms of external and concrete characteristics.

Key Terms in Social and Emotional Development

Self-Concept

• Defined as a stable set of ideas, attitudes, and beliefs a child holds about themselves and their abilities/skills.

Self-Esteem

• Refers to how individuals value their own capabilities and sense of self-worth.

• Influenced strongly by relationships with parents, teachers, and peers, as well as societal views on their attributes.

• Example: A child excelling in cricket may experience diminished self-esteem if society primarily values football.

Self-Efficacy

• A measure of competence in a specific domain, such as mathematics.

• Developed over time through various successes in particular areas (e.g., swimming, mathematics, singing, drawing).

Connections Between Self-Concept Dimensions and Academic Achievement

• Young children’s general self-concept is influenced by physical and social self-concepts.

• As they encounter different scenarios, their general self-concept shifts towards a more accurate self-assessment.

• There is a weak link between overall self-concept and academic achievement.

• Academic self-concept is strongly associated with academic achievement, highlighting the importance of self-perception in educational success.

Role of Friendships in Development

• Friends act as significant others within a child’s microsystem, impacting behavior and feelings.

• During middle childhood, children seek to establish their identities among peers (social self-concept).

• Peer relationships can become more significant than those with parents and family members as children progress in age.

• Peers influence attitudes and values, provide opportunities for practicing social skills, and offer emotional support distinct from family support.