Several factors and influences contribute to the development of the self,

shaping an individual's identity, personality, and behavior. These factors are

complex and interrelated, and they can be grouped into several key
categories:

1. Biological Factors
Genetics: Inherited traits and predispositions influence aspects of
personality, intelligence, and temperament.
Brain Development: The structure and function of the brain affect
cognitive processes and emotional responses.
Hormonal Changes: Hormones, particularly during puberty, play a
significant role in shaping emotions and behavior.
2. Social Factors
Family: The family environment, parenting styles, and familial relationships
are key in shaping early personality and self-concept.
Peers: Peer relationships influence self-esteem, social behavior, and
identity formation, especially during adolescence.
Education: Teachers and educational settings foster cognitive
development, self-confidence, and critical thinking.
3. Cultural Factors
Cultural Norms and Values: The cultural background defines acceptable
behaviors, beliefs, and traditions that shape the self.
Ethnicity and Heritage: Ethnic identity and heritage impact one's
worldview, self-concept, and sense of belonging.
Language: Language shapes thought processes and how individuals
express themselves.
4. Psychological Factors
Cognition: How individuals process information, their thinking styles, and
problem-solving abilities influence self-awareness.
Emotions: Emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and emotional
experiences contribute to self-perception and interpersonal relationships.
Self-Esteem: One’s self-worth and confidence impact motivation and
behavior in various social contexts.
5. Environmental Factors
Socioeconomic Status (SES): The resources available, including
education, financial stability, and opportunities, affect self-development.
Neighborhood and Community: The local environment, including access
to safe spaces and social services, shapes social interactions and
development.
Media and Technology: Exposure to media, including social media,
influences self-image, values, and perceptions of the world.
6. Experiences and Events%t
Life Experiences: Personal experiences, both positive and negative (e.g.,
success, trauma, loss), shape the individual’s sense of self.
Education and Learning: Continuous learning and new experiences
contribute to self-growth and identity.
Social Roles: The roles people assume in life (e.g., student, employee,
parent) influence self-identity and responsibility.
7. Spiritual and Religious Influences
Religious Beliefs: Faith and religious practices can offer meaning,
purpose, and guidance in life.
Spirituality: Personal spiritual beliefs influence one’s understanding of the
self in relation to a larger existence or consciousness.
8. Historical and Societal Context
Historical Events: The time period and major social or political events can
shape personal and collective identities.
Social Movements: Involvement in or exposure to social, political, or
cultural movements (e.g., feminism, civil rights) affects self-concept.
9. Identity and Role Models
Role Models: Influential figures (e.g., parents, mentors, celebrities) impact
aspirations, values, and self-concept.
Gender Roles: Gender expectations and norms shape self-identity and
influence behavior from a young age.
Each of these factors works together dynamically, contributing to the
multifaceted development of an individual's self-concept and identity.

Theories of self-development often center on understanding how individuals

develop a sense of identity, self-awareness, and personality throughout their
lifespan. One of the most influential theories in this regard is Erik Erikson’s
Psychosocial Stages of Development. Erikson proposed eight stages that
individuals pass through from infancy to late adulthood, each with a central
conflict or crisis that needs to be resolved to achieve a healthy sense of self.
Let’s discuss these stages in detail:

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy, 0-1 year)

Key Question: Can I trust the world?
At this stage, the infant learns to trust their caregivers when their needs
(e.g., food, comfort) are met consistently and reliably. Successful resolution
of this crisis leads to a sense of security and trust, forming the foundation
for a stable self.
Outcome: A well-developed sense of trust provides the child with confidence
to explore the world. Mistrust, however, may lead to fear and anxiety.
 2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood, 1-3 years)
Key Question: Can I do things myself, or am I reliant on others?
Children begin to assert their independence and develop a sense of
autonomy by exploring their surroundings, making simple choices, and
learning self-control. Successful navigation of this stage leads to a sense of
independence.
Outcome: Autonomy fosters self-confidence, while failure may result in
shame and self-doubt, affecting the individual’s self-image.
3. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool, 3-6 years)
Key Question: Is it okay for me to do things?
At this stage, children begin to take initiative by planning activities, making
up games, and engaging with peers. This fosters a sense of purpose and the
ability to initiate actions.
Outcome: Successful resolution promotes a strong sense of initiative and
leadership, while unresolved conflict can lead to feelings of guilt and self-
restriction.
4. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age, 6-12 years)
Key Question: Can I make it in the world of people and things?
Children work to gain competence and develop skills in school and social
activities. Success in this stage results in a sense of industry, where children
feel capable and productive.
Outcome: Positive experiences build self-confidence and a sense of
achievement, while repeated failure can lead to feelings of inferiority and
doubt in one’s abilities.
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence, 12-18 years)
Key Question: Who am I and where am I going?
Adolescents explore different identities, roles, and beliefs as they seek to
define themselves. The resolution of this stage results in a strong, cohesive
identity and the sense of self as distinct and integrated.
Outcome: A well-formed identity provides clarity and direction for future
goals, while unresolved conflicts may lead to role confusion, uncertainty,
and identity crises.
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood, 18-40 years)
Key Question: Can I love and be loved?
Young adults seek to form meaningful relationships and intimate
connections with others. Success at this stage leads to strong bonds and the
capacity for love.
Outcome: Developing close, healthy relationships fosters a secure sense of
self. Failure to do so may result in isolation, loneliness, and a fear of
commitment, impacting self-worth.
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40-65 years)
Key Question: Can I make my life count?
Adults strive to contribute to society through work, family, and community
involvement. This stage is about being productive and leaving a legacy,
which contributes to a positive sense of self.
Outcome: Success leads to feelings of accomplishment and purpose, while
failure may result in stagnation, a lack of growth, and feelings of
unfulfillment.
8. Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood, 65+ years)
Key Question: Is it okay to have been me?
In the final stage, individuals reflect on their lives. Achieving a sense of
integrity means feeling satisfied with one's life and accepting both
successes and failures.
Outcome: A well-developed sense of integrity results in wisdom and
fulfillment, while despair may arise from regrets, leading to feelings of
bitterness and a diminished sense of self.
Conclusion
Erikson’s psychosocial stages illustrate how the development of self is a
continuous process influenced by social interactions and personal
experiences. Successfully navigating these stages leads to a well-integrated
and resilient sense of self. Unresolved conflicts, however, can lead to
difficulties in identity formation and emotional well-being.

SELF- CONCEPT & SELF-AWARENESS

Self- Concept
- The set of beliefs that we hold about who we are.
- The sum total of an individual’s belief about his or her personal
attributes.
- The individuals image of the kind of person he or she is. Especially in
this are the awareness of being ( What I am) and awareness of
function ( What I can do).
- Includes not only perception about self, but also the ideal self.
- Two ways we perceive ourselves: positive and negative.

3 ASPECTS THAT SELF- CONCEPT INCLUDES

1. COGNITIVE ASPECT: SELF SCHEMA
 - Cognitive generalization about the self derived from the past
experience that organizes and guide the processing of self- related
information.

2. AFFECTIVE/EVALUATIVE ASPECT: SELF-ESTEEM

- Reflects the perceived difference between an individual’s actual self-
concept (who I think I really am) and some ideal self image ( who I
would really like to be).
3. BEHAVIORAL ASPECT: SELF PERCEPTION
- We come to understand ourselves the same way we perceive and
understand others.

COMPONENTS OF SELF- CONCEPT

1. SELF IDENTITY
- A sense of personal identity is what sets one person apart as unique
individual.
2. BODY IMAGE
- An attitude about one’s physical attributes and characteristics ,
appearance, and performance
3. SELF-ESTEEM
- The judgement of personal performance compared with the self to
ideal. It is derived from sense of giving and receiving love, and being
respected by others.
4. ROLE PERFORMANCE
- The level of self-esteem is dependent upon self-perception of
adequate role performance in these various social roles.

BUILDING UP SELF- CONCEPT

** 4 Steps to build up self-concept
1. Self awareness
2. Self acceptance
3. Self realization
4. Self disclosure

SELF- AWARENESS
The conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and
desires.

2 TYPES OF SELF-AWARENESS

Internal Self-Awareness. This is the recognition and understanding

of one’s internal states, preferences, emotions, and thoughts.
 External Self-Awareness. This pertains to understanding how others
perceive us in various context and situations, helping us to navigate social
situation.

Introspectors Aware

Know who they are but don’t Know who they and value
ask for feedback from feedback from others.
others.

Seekers Pleasers

Not sure yet of who they are Focused on how they are
or how they are perceive by perceived to others.
others.