At what developmental stage do teenagers begin to develop their self-concepts?

Teenagers begin to develop their self-concepts during adolescence, which typically spans from ages 12 to 18. This is a critical time for identity formation, where individuals start to explore their personal values, beliefs, and social roles. During adolescence, teenagers experience significant cognitive and emotional development, which allows them to reflect on themselves and consider their place in the world.

As they interact with peers and engage in social comparisons, adolescents become more aware of their characteristics and how they are perceived by others. This newfound ability to engage in abstract thinking fosters a deeper exploration of their identities and leads to the establishment of a more complex self-concept that includes personal, social, and cultural dimensions. In contrast, childhood primarily focuses on foundational skills and basic self-awareness, while early adulthood often involves refining and solidifying identities formed during adolescence. Infancy, on the other hand, is a stage where self-awareness is minimal, as infants are primarily learning about their immediate environment and forming attachments. Thus, adolescence is recognized as the pivotal stage for the development of self-concept.