Table 1. Development of Self-Identity
| Age | Self-Development | Dangers for Feminine Identity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | Basic primary attachment
Identification as human |
Lack of nurturing -> fear, abandonment | |
| 2 | Self-concept emerges
Reality-testing |
Mother may be overprotecting if she resists
Dependency may be overencouraged |
|
| 3 | Self-valuing, Development of the need for achievement | May devalue self as males given more attention
Mothers teach self-reliance, but girls are not trained in self-reliance or achievement needs |
|
| 4-5 | Sex-roles identification, Males only pressured into roles, daughters can be tomboys, Repression/defense mechanisms | Fathers reward sex-typing. Mothers and daughters oriented toward serving males | |
| 6-9 | Conformity learning, Like-sex play groups | Stereotyped role play. Good girl rewar- ded at home & school. Math anxiety begins. Physical activity restricted.Media devalues females | |
| 9-12 | Cooperation learning, intimacy learning. Competency learning | Girls play in pairs, develop rivalry with other girls for male attention. In-group exclusivity. May hide competency for male attention. | |
| Adolescence | Identity learning
Female pressured into sex-role |
May settle for teenager role. Emphasis on popularity. Male-oriented -> alienation from self and receives little love. Self-image constricted | |
| Young adult | Identity crisis matures, Self-integration, Commitment to mate &/or vocation, Values clarification, Development true intimacy between 2 autonomous people | May avoid resolution, settle for wife identity. Identity "cop-out" precludes integration. Sex & love needs confused. Relationship problems due to lack of identity. Job discrimination. Intimacy prevented by fear of loss of self. Males may see &/or treat female as sex-object | |
| Adult | Self-actualization in love & work | Cannot actualize non-integrated self. Identi- fication with role -> sense of smothering. Neurosis, depression, psychosomatic illnesses, addictions | |
| Adult | Family-building | Self-sacrificing -> repressed anger manifesting as pain. Lack of self-assertion. Projects problems onto children. | |
| Adult | Mid-life crises: | May be major identity crisis if not yet resolved | |
| Mid/late 30's | Marital problems may surface when children in school. Neurosis may develop. | ||
| Mid/late 40's | Vocational crisis if never worked. Empty nest. Affairs may erupt if marriage not stable. | ||
| Mid/late 50's | Existential crises around life purpose. Aloneness. | ||
| Mid 60's | Husbands retire & may demand more attention. Retirement if working, need redefine roles. May suffer economic hardship if not working or if husband dies. | ||
| Aging | Self-re-evaluation, Wisdom, self-acceptance, joy | Chronic self-pity & illness if not integrated, May be resentful, angry, lonely, inconsolable |