1. Self: The combination of physical and psychological attributes that is unique to each individual
Self-Concept: One’s perceptions of one’s unique combination of attributes

2. Development of Self-Concept in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Early sense of self believed to emerge between 2-6 months:
Awareness that physical self is separate from others
Awareness that self can control events

3. Evidence of “Self-Awareness”:
2- to 4-month-olds can learn to move their limbs to make a mobile move; may show distress when no longer have control of mobile
Suggests awareness that the self can control events (and awareness of own body)

4. Testing Emerging Self-Awareness

5. 3- to 5- month old infants look longer when shown a video of their leg movements from a perspective other than their own
Suggests awareness of own body

6. Onset of separation distress around 8 months
Suggests awareness of self as physically separate from caregiver

7. Evidence of Self-Recognition:
Rouge test
Pass between 15 and 24 months
Photo selection
Pass between 20 and 30 months

8. Two- and three-year-old children do not seem to have a sense of self that extends over time
When shown a video of themselves with a sticker on their forehead shortly after the event occurred, they do not attempt to remove the sticker
Four- and five-year-olds seem to have a sense of the self as stable over time
Retrieve the sticker after a brief delay (but not if shown the video a week later)

9. Developments After Self-Recognition: Self-conscious emotions
Self-assertion and increased possessiveness (“Terrible Twos”)
“No!”; “I do it”; “Mine!”
Increased social skills
Imitation of peers
Cooperation (resolving conflicts, playing games, problem solving)

10. Development of the categorical self
Classification of the self along socially significant dimensions
Ex: age, sex, physical characteristics, behaviors/abilities, etc.
e.g., “baby”, “boy/girl”, “big/little”, “good/bad girl”, “Did it!”
Emerges between 18 and 30 months