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Development of Self Over the Life Course

Our self-identity changes as we progress through the life course and as societal standards change. Our interactions with the social world either strengthen or weaken our sense of self. Events that we perceive as physically or psychologically threatening are considered stressors that require a process of appraisal, mediation, moderation/buffering, and coping [20]. Events that we do not perceive as stressors either do not affect us or positively reinforce our self-identity and well-being. This explains why an individual’s mental health has such deep roots in self-identity. In fact, studies show that perceived threats specifically to an individual’s cultural/racial identity greatly influence their susceptibility to developing a mental illness.

Takeaways:

  • The “self” is a social construct

    • Shaped by and only exists because of our interpretation

    • Subject to change 

      • Stages of life

      • Societal standards

  • Aspects of the self:

    • Sociodemographic traits

      • e.g., race, gender, socioeconomic status

    • Social roles

      • e.g., mother, friend

    • Social personas

      • e.g., team captain

    • Personality traits

    • Groups we belong to

    • Labels applied by others

culture wheel.png

Stressors to Self-Identity

  • Perceived threats specifically to an individual’s cultural identity that can affect mental illness rates

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  • Culture

    • Accounts for race, nativity, ethnicity, common interests, and more

    • Multi-level

      • One-on-one interactions​

      • Local organizations

      • Global community

    • Fluid and contagious

    • Pros:

      • Builds community

      • Promotes well-being

    • Cons:

      • "us vs. them” mindset

Developmental Stages of Importance [11]

15-18 months

infants begin to differentiate themselves from others through “physical self-other distinction”

around 3 years

"categorical self" based on concrete descriptions of how people differ;

beginning of "race dissonance" -- ascribing different values to skin color

preschool years

"inner self" develops; thinking internally and describing oneself in terms of momentary internal states

elementary school years

"psychological self” and "self esteem" develops; making evaluative judgments about oneself and others using social evaluations

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