Self-concept fall under three categories:
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Self-esteem: an evaluation of how we see ourselves, including how much we like ourselves.
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Ideal-self: the sort of person we would like to be.
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Self-image: our description of who we are, which includes knowledge from our social roles, e.g. mother, father, aunt, the personality traits we have, e.g. whether we are clever, have a sense
Shirley personal identity is one of the ways that she can see herself which is closely connected to her self-image. Personal identity is very important as it will affect the way Shirley might feel about herself and how she will recognise who is really is.
When Shirley was born she was an unsettled baby, and was much neglected, this caused problem with Shirley’s self development. The impact of neglect and unsettlement of a child may not be apparent at an early stage except in the most extreme cases. However, the effects of neglect are harmful and possibly long-lasting for the victims. Its impact can become more severe as a child grows older and can encompass multiple areas, including:
- Health and physical development;
- Intellectual and cognitive development;
- Emotional and psychological development;
- Social and behavioural development.
Although there are four categories of neglect's effects on an individual, they often are related. For example, if a child experiences neglect that leads to a delayed development of the brain, this may lead to cognitive delays or psychological problems, which may manifest as social and behavioural problems. Because neglected children often experience multiple consequences that may be the result of neglect and related circumstances in their lives, it may be difficult to determine if the impact is related specifically to the neglect, is caused by another factor, or arises from a combination of factors. The impact of neglect can vary based on:
- The child's age;
- The presence and strength of protective factors;
- The frequency, duration, and severity of the neglect;
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The relationship between the child and caregiver.
All of this caused her problems to identify herself and her personal identification. If Shirley was brought up with love and care she would have had no difficulties identify herself and her personal identification.
What is included in Personal identity?
- Language
- Religion
- Character
- Looks
- Personality
- Gender
In the early years of a child’s life, they tend to learn and grow at different levels. In order to assure child is treated equal, teachers, child-minders, key workers, and teacher assistants must establish the child’s preferred learning styles.
Abuse is something that can happen anywhere you go whether it is within your family, outside of a family and in an environment that you are in such as a care setting.
Her family all ignore and neglect her and constantly put Shirley down for who Shirley is. Blaming Shirley for no reason, and shouting at her for no reason, this is affecting Shirley’s confident level, and making Shirley think, probably it was her fault, whereas it wasn’t. the main thing she is getting blamed she is the reason her father left her mother, this can make Shirley change opinions about herself, and might start feeling guilty of what had happened.
Shirley being a neglected child, this can also affect her comunition skills, as she not confident in who she is and , her not knowing herself is because she is not getting the support at home in who she is, and whatever she does is good.
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Secondary influences:
Secondary influence is when individual is affected by some other individual its could be a family member and people around them. For Shirley her mum is one of the main individual in her life who is affecting the way she lives.
Shirley Has brothers but they have little time for her as their mother constantly reminds them that Shirley is the reason why their father no longer lives with them. This is another reason which can affect Shirley’s self-confidence. This might make Shirley upset and depressed at all times, which can cause depression. She would also be full of regret at all times, which can affect her self confident, and would make her life miserable to live in.
As a toddler Shirley spent a lot of time in her playpen, as her mother was too depressed to play with her. As this affected her way of living, as she might feel that her mother does not want her anymore, as a result of all this Shirley was always quiet, and was a withdrawn child, which had made her slow to speak. Sometimes when a child is not getting love from home, they will depress at all times, to make them feel better, they start taking drugs and a lot of alcohol at a very young age.
People around Shirley has already affected her behaviour as she has become less confident about herself, she stays quiet in lessons and still does not have friends as her communication skills are not developed properly due to constant blame from her mother for her father leaving them after she was born.
Bonding and love between parent and child is a crucial foundation for family integrity and wholesome child development. It is sometimes said that parenthood
Some children are more at risk of developing emotional problems themselves, particularly if they have:
- been abused or neglected
- seen a lot of arguments/violence between their parents
- a parent who misuses alcohol or drugs
- lived in poverty, poor housing or have had an unstable life.
The impact of child abuse and neglect is often discussed in terms of physical, psychological, behavioral, and societal consequences. In reality, however, it is impossible to separate them completely. Physical consequences, such as damage to a child's growing brain, can have psychological implications such as cognitive delays or emotional difficulties. Psychological problems often manifest as high-risk behaviors. Depression and anxiety, for example, may make a person more likely to smoke, abuse alcohol or illicit drugs, or overeat. High-risk behaviors, in turn, can lead to long-term physical health problems such as sexually transmitted diseases, cancer, and obesity.
