The Development of Self-concept in Young Children: Preschoolers' Views of Their Competence and Acceptance

Traditionally, research into early childhood has tended to emphasise the importance of cognitive, language and motor development. This has been particularly apparent in approaches to therapy and education which have concentrated on these areas at times, it might be claimed, to the detriment of the child's social and personal development. In discussing this issue with respect to young children with disabilities, Guralnick (1990) argues cogently for the social competence of young children being seen as one of the major indices of developmental progress and as one of the primary areas to be addressed by Early Intervention. The development of self-concept is another area deserving of greater attention since it, too, has a demonstrated link to behaviour and performance (Shavelson, Hubner and Stanton, 1976, p.408).