The Construction of the Self: Developmental and Sociocultural Foundations

by Susan Harter, William M. Bukowski (Foreword)

An important work from a leading scholar, this book explores self-development from early childhood to adulthood. Susan Harter traces the normative stages that define the emergence of many self-processes, including self-esteem. She also addresses individual differences and societal influences on self-development. Presenting pioneering empirical research, Harter shows that increasingly mature features of the self have both benefits and liabilities for psychological adjustment. The book highlights the causes and consequences of different types of self-representations, including those that are unrealistically negative or positive.
New to This Edition
*Reflects more than a decade of conceptual, empirical, and methodological advances.
*Provides a broader sociocultural framework for understanding self development.
*Chapters on emerging adulthood, self-esteem and physical appearance, self-processes in the classroom, motivation, cross-cultural issues, and the quest for authenticity.
*Expanded chapters on childhood, adolescence, and the self-conscious emotions.
*Increased attention to the liabilities of our contemporary preoccupation with the self.

Genres: Psychology

440 pages, Hardcover

First published March 28, 2012

Reviews

[Mills College Library]

155.2 H3284 2012

[Green Iona]

Great for adolescent therapy

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the best book on the development of self-concept out there

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for those who would like to know how the idea of the self is formed and how the way a person sees himself affects him and his moods.

An extra plus for being easy to read and understand: even though at first the repetition of the Jamesian model or Cooley's theory seemed unnecessary and boring, in the end I was glad of it as now I actually remember those important theories without effort.

[Ashley]

very interesting and leads to introspective reflection. great foundation for the pursuit of a theorists perspective on developmental philosophy.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of important updates in this edition. I still believe this book provides the best, most comprehensive treatment of research and theory related to the development of the self.

[Johnny Correa-Lowrance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it, It was for a class but ended up being informative and engaging.