Age

1–2 years

Milestones

• Self-recognition becomes well-established.
• Categorical self develops.

Age

3–5 years

Milestones

• Remembered self, in the form of a life story, develops.
• Desire theory of mind expands into a belief-desire theory, as indicated by mastery of false-belief tasks.
• Self-concept emphasizes observable characteristics and typical emotions and attitudes.

Age

6–10 years

Milestones

• Self-concept emphasizes personality traits and includes both positive and negative attributes.
• Social comparisons among multiple individuals appear.

Age

11 years–Adulthood

Milestones

• Self-concept includes higher-order, abstract descriptors that unify separate traits (e.g., “smart” and “talented” into “intelligent”).
• Traits making up self-concept are combined into an organized system.