Five levels of self-awareness as they unfold early in life

Conscious Cogn. 2003 Dec;12(4):717-31. doi: 10.1016/s1053-8100(03)00081-3.

Abstract

When do children become aware of themselves as differentiated and unique entity in the world? When and how do they become self-aware? Based on some recent empirical evidence, 5 levels of self-awareness are presented and discussed as they chronologically unfold from the moment of birth to approximately 4-5 years of age. A natural history of children's developing self-awareness is proposed as well as a model of adult self-awareness that is informed by the dynamic of early development. Adult self-awareness is viewed as the dynamic flux between basic levels of consciousness that develop chronologically early in life.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Awareness*
  • Body Image
  • Child, Preschool
  • Consciousness*
  • Ego*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Kinesthesis
  • Personal Construct Theory
  • Proprioception
  • Psychology, Child*
  • Social Perception
  • Touch