The Development of Identity and Self-Concept

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Running head: The Development of Identity and Self-Concept Identity and Self-Concept in Childhood and Early Adolescence Patrick Cash Walden University Identity and Self-Concept in Childhood and Early Adolescence Childhood and early adolescence are significant stages in development. During these stages one is trying to establish and identity of self and claim a status in society (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). It is in the middle childhood stage that one starts to acquire a sense of morality based upon its environmental surroundings. It is here that one will start to focus on outside surroundings rather than parental nurturing and acquire a sense of independence (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). There are several contributing factors that play a role during these developmental stages such as; biological or physical elements, social status, and cultural influences. It will be defined how these factors influence middle childhood and early adolescent development. Sociological Factors Social interactions are critically important with establishing self-concept and identity during middle childhood and early adolescence. It is during the middle childhood that relationships with school peers are developed and begins the process for establishing social skills and self-esteem. Broderick & Blewitt (2015) define social comparison as comparing someone else’s abilities with their own, and this is a common practice during middle childhood and early adolescence. Middle childhood is when self-esteem is developed and these social comparisons can influence childhood self-esteem and an adolescent’s identity status (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). Eccles (1999) classifies these stages of development as being socially dramatic due to the individual wanting to fit in somewhere. Social rejection from peers can influence the development with negative behaviors and feelings
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