Emotional and Social Development in Middle Childhood

13.1 Self-Understanding

• Definition: Attainment of knowledge about and insight into one’s characteristics, including attitudes, motives, behavioral tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses.

13.1.1 Self-Concept

• Ages 8-11: Major changes in self-concept occur.
• Competencies are a growing part of self-concept.
• Personality traits become a significant part of self-concept.
• Descriptions of self become less extreme as children approach middle school.
• Social Comparisons: During elementary years, children make social comparisons, judging their appearance, abilities, and behavior in relation to peers.
• Primary grade children compare themselves to a single peer.
• Older elementary grade children compare themselves to several peers or classmates.

13.1.2 Cognitive, Social, and Cultural Influences on Self-Concept

• Structure of Self-Concept:
  • Cognitive development supports better coordination of situations and reasoning (their world view).
• Content of Self-Concept:
  • Perspective-taking skills: Inferring what others are thinking.
  • Recursive thought: Enabling children to “read” others’ messages more accurately and internalize expectations.
  • Ideal Self is formed as children evaluate