Being self-aware entails being aware of various parts of oneself, such as qualities, feelings and behaviors. Essentially, it’s an psychological state in which one becomes the center of attention. Self-awareness is one of the earliest components of the self-concept to arise. While self-awareness is essential to who you are, it is not something you are acutely focused on every moment of every day. Instead, practicing self-awareness can become woven into the fabric of who you are. It emerges at different periods depending on the environment and your personality. People are not born fully self-aware. However, research has shown that neonates develop a rudimentary sense of self-awareness. Infants are aware that they are separate beings from others, as indicated by behaviors such as the rooting response, in which an infant reaches for a nipple when anything brushes across his or her face. Researchers have also discovered that even babies can distinguish between self-and non-self contact.
The Emergence of Self-Awareness
The more complicated sense of self-awareness begins to form about one year of age. However, it becomes considerably more developed by 18 months of age. A study was conducted on how self-awareness develops. They placed a red dot on an infant’s nose and then brought the youngster up to a mirror. Children who identified themselves in the mirror reached for their own noses rather than the reflection in the mirror, indicating that they had some amount of self-awareness. Nevertheless, it was discovered that nearly no youngsters under the age of one will reach for their own nose rather than their reflection in the mirror. Around 25% of infants aged 15 to 18 months touched their own noses, while 70% of those aged 21 to 24 months did so. It is crucial to note that the researcher’s study only shows an infant’s visual self-awareness. Although, children may have other forms of self-awareness even at this young age. For example, the researchers proposed that expressing emotions requires self-awareness as well as the ability to think about oneself in relation to other people.
Growth in Self-Awareness
The researchers believe that the anterior cingulate cortex, which is located in the frontal lobe region of the brain, is vital in the development of self-awareness. Brain imaging studies have also shown that this region gets engaged in individuals who are self-aware. The study implies that being self-aware emerges in children around the age of 18 months, which correlates with the rapid proliferation of spindle cells in the anterior cingulate cortex. However, one study discovered that a patient retained self-awareness despite substantial damage to areas of the brain such as the anterior cingulate cortex and the insula. This shows that certain parts of the brain are not required for most elements of self-consciousness and that awareness may instead result through interactions scattered across brain networks.
Levels of Self-Awareness
So, how do children become conscious of themselves as different beings? Researchers believe that from birth and the age of four or five, children go through a number of stages of self-awareness. The way children react to their own reflection in a mirror demonstrates their self-awareness.
Different Types of Self-Awareness
Psychologists frequently categorize self-awareness as either public or private. Public awareness occurs when people are mindful of how they appear to others. Private self-awareness occurs when people become conscious of some elements of themselves, but only in secret.
Public Self-Awareness
Public self-awareness frequently occurs in settings where people are the center of attention, such as while giving a speech or speaking in front of a group of friends. This level of self-awareness frequently compels people to follow societal standards. When we are aware judgement and we are being seen by others, we frequently attempt to behave in socially acceptable and desirable ways. Public self-awareness can also contribute to assessment anxiety, in which people become troubled, anxious, or concerned about how others see them.
Private Self-Awareness
Seeing your reflection in the mirror, for example, is a form of private self-awareness. Likewise, feeling your stomach lurch when you realize you failed to study for a crucial test or your heart flutter when you see someone you like are also examples of private self-awareness.
Self-Consciousness
People might become extremely self-aware and veer towards what is known as self-consciousness. For example, have you ever felt like everyone was watching you, assessing your actions, and anticipating what you would do next? This increased self-awareness can make you feel awkward and nervous in some cases. In many circumstances, these emotions of self-consciousness are only temporary and occur while we are “in the spotlight.” On the other hand, excessive self-consciousness can indicate a persistent disease such as social anxiety disorder in some people.
Privately self-conscious people have a higher level of private self-awareness, which can be both positive and detrimental. These people are more aware of their sentiments and views and hence are more likely to adhere to their personal ideals. They are, however, more prone to suffer from negative health repercussions such as increased stress and worry. People who are publicly self-conscious have a higher level of public self-awareness. They also are more concerned with how others see them and are frequently afraid that others will judge them based on their actions or appearance. As a result, these individuals tend to adhere to social standards and avoid circumstances in which they may appear terrible or feel ashamed.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
Self-awareness is vital in how we comprehend ourselves and how we relate to others and the world. Being self-aware allows you to assess yourself in relation to others. Excessive self-consciousness can occur in those who have a very strong sense of self-awareness. If you believe you are suffering from self-consciousness that negatively impacts your life, speak with your doctor about your symptoms to learn more about what you can do to cope with these feelings.
