Identity Self Concept

The Development of Identity and Self-Concept

Knowledge of developmental science helps clinicians distinguish normal developmental perturbations from real deviations in development to intervene wisely (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). During middle childhood and adolescent’s development children go through several stages that are necessary for development; such as physical growth, cognitive stage, moral development, self-concept, psychological, emotional trait, relationship and other adults and peer relationships. Proper development of identity and self-concept is directly impacted by social, biological, and cultural factors.

Social Factors

Several factors contribute to childhood development. The way children learn to socialize is through interactions

A child’s biology determines how physiological processes unfold and how organ systems adapt to outside influences (Ettinger, 2004). Proper nutrition is essential to a child's overall development. However, improper nutrition can positively or negatively influence biological, cognitive (learning), and behavioral processes. In addition, gender directly affect cognitive maturation. Boys tend to develop and learn differently than girls. Research suggests that boys tend to have deficiencies in school readiness than girls. “By the time of school entry, and then throughout childhood and adolescence, rates of externalizing problems (e.g., aggression and other antisocial patterns, hyperactivity) are substantially higher in boys than in girls.” (Zahn, 1996) Of all of the risk factors for externalizing problems, (male) sex is the most robust (Robins, 1991). These conduct problems show stability over time, especially for boys. By adolescence, suppressing problems become common, and girls show a greater increase than boys. Additional determinant factors include looking at gender stereotyping and how society views men and women from various cultures and backgrounds affect biological development as

Educator should take time to observe and get to know the culture and community in which children come from; this will allow them to help build on their strengths and work to help mediate the potential negative effects on children’s social development. For example, children who live in violent communities may be withdrawn in the classroom. Or if they are exposed to mental or physical abuse, gang violence, or criminals may feel unsafe. When children are insecure or feel insecure, this will interfere with their total development, especially social skills development. Also, it is important to note that we all are affected socially and emotionally by violence, wars, threats of wars, and terrorism (Avery et al., 1999).

Summary

Indeed, some will argue that parenting is the sole factoring in developing self and moral developing. However, during middle childhood and adolescent development children go through several stages that are necessary for development; such as physical growth, cognitive stage, moral development, self-concept, psychological, emotional trait, relationship and other adults and peer relationships. Proper development is the goal of parents, teachers, and society. All in all, development of identity and self-concept are directly impacted by social, biological, cultural