Drawing upon extensive theoretical knowledge and decades of empirical research by the author and others, this volume traces changes in the structure and content of self-representations from the preschool years through late adolescence. Harter provides a trenchant analysis of the cognitive and social processes responsible for the development of each person's unique sense of self. Throughout, normative-developmental and individual difference variables are clearly identified and clinical applications spotlighted. This authoritative work will be read with interest by scholars, clinicians, and students interested in understanding the causes and consequences of low self-esteem, or in designing interventions to promote more adaptive self-evaluations.
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.
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.