A Study Based on Rosenbergs Research Essay Example
A STUDY BASED ON ROSENBERG’S RESEARCH (1979)
Abstract
The development of children’s identity particularly their self-perceptions, is of a widespread interest. This small-scale study was based on previous research by Rosenberg (1979). The aim was to determine the differences between self-descriptions and the shift of the locus of self-knowledge with age. The design involved semi-structured interviews of two participants aged 8 and 16 years. The participants wrote some statements about who they were, which were coded according to Rosenberg’s (1979) themes of self-descriptions. The responses about the locus of self-knowledge were also analysed to assess the shift with age and other themes were also analysed. The results showed that children’s self-descriptions became complex with age as they described themselves more in terms of their relationships and characteristics showing insight to their inner thoughts and ideas rather than just physical attributes. The locus of self-knowledge also showed a trend in shifting towards ‘self’ with age. These results supported Rosenberg’s ideas.
Introduction
Identity of a person comprises of his/her individual personality or character traits. According to Maccoby (1980,) identity development is a complex process which takes place over time with multiple factors affecting its development such as environmental interaction and personal experiences. James (1982) suggested that identity development starts when children recognize their existence in environment is separate from others, this development is called the existential-self (referred as ‘I’). This existential-self further develops into categorical-self (referred as ‘me’), which involves the recognition of one’s physical characteristics.
Bannister and Agnew (1977) observed that children’s self-awareness developed with age. Younger children tended to describe themselves in terms of physical characteristics. The ability to view themselves as psychologically different from
Abstract
The development of children’s identity particularly their self-perceptions, is of a widespread interest. This small-scale study was based on previous research by Rosenberg (1979). The aim was to determine the differences between self-descriptions and the shift of the locus of self-knowledge with age. The design involved semi-structured interviews of two participants aged 8 and 16 years. The participants wrote some statements about who they were, which were coded according to Rosenberg’s (1979) themes of self-descriptions. The responses about the locus of self-knowledge were also analysed to assess the shift with age and other themes were also analysed. The results showed that children’s self-descriptions became complex with age as they described themselves more in terms of their relationships and characteristics showing insight to their inner thoughts and ideas rather than just physical attributes. The locus of self-knowledge also showed a trend in shifting towards ‘self’ with age. These results supported Rosenberg’s ideas.
Introduction
Identity of a person comprises of his/her individual personality or character traits. According to Maccoby (1980,) identity development is a complex process which takes place over time with multiple factors affecting its development such as environmental interaction and personal experiences. James (1982) suggested that identity development starts when children recognize their existence in environment is separate from others, this development is called the existential-self (referred as ‘I’). This existential-self further develops into categorical-self (referred as ‘me’), which involves the recognition of one’s physical characteristics.
Bannister and Agnew (1977) observed that children’s self-awareness developed with age. Younger children tended to describe themselves in terms of physical characteristics. The ability to view themselves as psychologically different from