Self-Concept

Learning Objective:

Identify
factors influencing the
development of self-concept.
Define self-concept
List four components of the self-
concept cycle.
 Self-Concept Grows and Changes

Fill
in the following box with words or
phrases that best describe your self-
concept at the designated time.

A Child is Born with 100% Self-Esteem.

Self-Concept Grows and Changes

Infant/Toddler Elementary School

Junior High/Middle School High School

 Self-Concept Cycle

Self-concept is the total picture a person has

of herself/himself.
It is a composite of the traits, values, thoughts,
and feelings that we have for ourselves.
A person who has developed a positive self-
concept will enjoy positive self-esteem.
 Self-Concept Cycle

A persons self-concept is developed early in

life and affects the way that person functions
in his/her environment.
Children develop self-concepts through what
they believe the important people in their lives
feel about them. This is best expressed in the
self-concept cycle.
 Self-Concept Cycle

As I see
myself
Others
reactions My
to me actions
As
others
see me
 Self-Concept Cycle

As
I see myself is formed largely by our own
perception of what others think of us.
Thisinfluences our actions. Our actions in large part
determine how others actually do see us and directly
influence their reactions to us in return.
Theirreactions influence the way we see ourselves. This
is a continuous cycle in our lives.
 Self-Concept Cycle

Somepeople have positive self-

concepts, which make them feel
capable and competent.
Their actions demonstrate those
feelings, and others react positively
to their actions, which, in return,
validates those feelings.
 Self-Concept Cycle

Otherpeople have negative self-

concepts, which cause them to lack
confidence in their abilities.
These negative feelings affect their
actions, and others in turn will react
negatively to their actions, this time
validating negative self-feelings.
Dad Motivating Daughter
Video
 Tips on Promoting Self-Esteem

1) Encourage decision making. Children need to

practice making choices, and they need to feel
successful about the choices they make.
 Tips on Promoting Self-Esteem

2) Praise positive behaviors. When a child

accomplishes something, creates something,
shares something, or shows consideration for
others, reward that behavior with consistent, but
moderated praise.
 Tips on Promoting Self-Esteem

3) Follow the childs lead. Let the child initiate

some activities. Let the child know when he or
she has come up with a good idea.
4) Accept that it is normal to have
disappointments in life. The effect of your
disappointments on yourself will serve as a
model for the child.
 Tips on Promoting Self-Esteem Cont.

5) Separate the child from failure. Everyone fails

at something in life. Remind the child of what he
or she does well.
6) Give the child responsibilities. They can be
simple tasks such as helping to clear the table.
This approach communicates that a childs help
is needed and wanted.
 Tips on Promoting Self-Esteem Cont.

7) Show affection. Words and gestures

showing children that they matter to
you add to the development of their
self-esteem
Promoting Self Esteem in
Children
Promoting Self-Esteem in Children:

Let children know their behavior is

appropriate.
Allow children to make choices
Support them as they try new things
Allow for personal independence
Encourage the development of skills and
talents