Developmental trajectories of two self-concept constructs (self-confidence and importance beliefs) in three domains (academic, social, and self-image) were estimated in a nationally representative sample of approximately 3,500 students with disabilities ages 8 to 17 representing 11 federal disability categories. Students' self-confidence in the…

The process of making meaning is a core determinant of human experience. Understanding this process, developmentally, is a vital part of integral counseling. In this article, the authors introduce the concept of ego development stages as increasingly complex and flexible systems of meaning making. An understanding of ego development stages can…

This paper traces some of the major theories and research findings concerning the development of self-identity during the first two years of life. The discussion begins with some basic assumptions of identity formation, offers an historical perspective with discussion of William James' major aspects of self, and concludes with observations on the…

The need for adults to try to understand the emotional motivations behind children's lies is discussed. It is suggested that lies handled in an understanding way may provide the basis for a character-enhancing experience. (HS)

A coding system, derived from Dabrowski's levels of gifted individuals' emotional development, is based on categories that reflect feelings toward values, self, and others. Testing of the system's reliability indicated that it provides educators, parents, and counselors with a greater understanding of the developmental issues which confront gifted…

A discussion of the strong emphasis on cognitive development in preschool education of disadvantaged children which may be inappropriate to the broader learning process. Suggests that a different approach may be needed to foster maturation in youngsters deprived physically and emotionally. (ST)

This essay examines the relationship of cognitive science, especially linguistics, to the development of the human mind, self, and intelligence. Linguistics is seen to contribute a complex computational ability to the sense of free will. Also considered as part of the integrated self are intuition, athletic intelligence, intellectual diversity,…

The relationship between emotional maturity and the developing self in the gifted individual is examined. Emotional maturity is seen to involve the integration of intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects of the personality. The developing self is thought to be more than the sum of its components and becomes a global factor in the development of a…

Teachers need to become more aware of problems facing the shy/quiet child. This article defines shyness and examines its significance, harms, and causal effects. In treating shyness, it is helpful to offer oral communication classes for teacher and student, provide specialized, voluntary treatment, and encourage oral communication classroom…

Human beings are a delicate balance of mind, body, and spirit, so an imbalance in one domain affects all others. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects that physical fitness may have on such human characteristics as personality and behavior. A review of the literature reveals that physical fitness is related to, and can affect,…

Identity is the complex way a person identifies with, and is identified by, his environment. Multiple identities result from the many ways a person has been successfully identified. Identities coexist; sometimes the dominance of one over others becomes evident, and a vertical structure of identities arises. (CS)

Considers the qualities of awareness of responsibility and capacity for self-evaluation, which teachers should have, how these qualities develop in a person, and whether they can be taught. Relates Dabrowski's theory of positive disintegration to teachers' self-profiles and lists five levels of development defined by the theory. (MF)

Presented is the summary report of a project designed to review the state of the art in basic areas of affective development in the normal and handicapped preschool child. Reviewed are theories of affect and development of specific emotions with particular emphasis on five dimensions (emergence of self, caretaker attachment, adaptation-mastery,…

Examines self-assessment as a personality structure that changes in its development as individuals mature. Explains prognosticative, actual (or correcting), and retrospective self-assessment. Develops a structural-dynamic explanatory model, characterizing self-assessment as a systemic formation. Relates self-evaluation to achievement, volitional…

Investigates ego development in 32 lower-class and lower-middle class Black students at the sixth and twelfth grade levels. Ego development was measured by the Washington University Sentence Completion Test (WU-SCT). (Author/SS)