Reflection #13

Auditory cues, physical sensations, body image cues, and personal memories leads to an awareness of oneself. Oneself is composed of two basic components: self-as-object (the known) and self-as-doer (the knower). The two components make up primary attributes. The self-as-object primary attributes are physical, social, emotional, and intellectual. The self-as-doer primary attributes are perceiving, performing, thinking, and remembering. The known constitutes the “ME,” and the knower constitutes the “I;” which combined, leads to development of the self-concept (ideas about oneself) and self-esteem (feelings about oneself) which equals the personality. This is about self development adapted by Don Hamachek.

This idea about self development starts around eight months and ends at three years: it’s very important in human being development. When someone achieves a sense of their self it is accomplishing, their accomplishments develop and is shaped over time by complex understandings. Our development doesn’t stop at three years old it continues throughout life. Evolution is a process of our self development. We constantly continue to change through this process that is long and complex. Being surrounded by different people, places and things helps forms and transforms oneself.

I am always fascinated about early childhood development. Hamachek stated infants develop a sense of self when they realize they are their own person. One important concept about infants Hamachek said is knowing that loved ones in our lives exist even when we are not around them; and our loved ones will be who they are as we remembered them when they return. As an infant knowing this it can free them to be their self.