This book presents a longitudinal study dealing with developmental changes within and between self-concepts and their relation to personal functioning. Within the psychological literature -- and the developmental literature in particular -- the interest in the ideas people hold about themselves and their relation with personal functioning is rapidly growing. This interest is reinforced by the emphasis on individuality in Western society.

The self-system is now thought to consist of a collection of self-concepts in which a distinction is made between domain-specific self-concepts -- the real and ideal -- and context-related self-concepts -- the academic, the athletic and the social. It is also considered to be subjective rather than objective. This subjective self involves characteristics such as continuity and distinctiveness from others. These characteristics have been the primary focus of recent research.

In existing literature on the development of the self-system, little is known about the structural characteristics -- that is, developmental changes in the interrelationships among domain-specific and context-related self-concepts, or between and within self-concepts. Similarly, little information is available about the relationships between individuals' real and ideal self concepts, their perceived concepts of others, and the actual ideas others have about the same individuals. This book integrates hitherto separate and different components or aspects of self-knowledge into one encompassing, multidimensional self-system.

About the Author
Oosterwegel, Annerieke; Oppenheimer, Louis

Reviews

"...a well-written and comprehensive synthesis of theoretical foundations, practical questions, and painstaking research....the writing style is surprisingly accessible to nonspecialists....The book's structure aids the reader in the synthesis goals and in being able to follow a lot of details....a compact, rigorous, and creative piece of work. It offers something of interest to most readers interested in the self."
-Contemporary Psychology

"...Oosterwegel and Oppenheimer provide a thorough, comprehensive review of theories and research on the self and its ontogeny that is well worth reading for those interested in the development of self....This book is worthwhile reading for those interested in children's developing inner voices."
-Merrill-Palmer Quarterly

Book Information
ISBN 9781138989979
Author Annerieke Oosterwegel
Format Paperback
Page Count 186
Imprint Psychology Press Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 285g