Subjectivity of Thinking

◯|◯ɴ's 'Subjectivity of Thought' serves as a lens through which we interpret experiences & interact with the world around us - Early Subjectivity of Thought emerges as a foundational construct, facilitating initial steps toward self-awareness, empathy and cognitive autonomy by delving into the nuances of Subjectivity, tracing its evolution from infancy through adolescence.

Early Subjectivity of Thought (ESoT)

…refers to the initial development of a child’s ability to form and express their own thoughts, feelings and perspectives.

By the age of 5, children are beginning to transition from a more egocentric view of the world, where they primarily see things from a personal perspective to a more complex understanding which includes considering thoughts and feelings of the Other.

ESoT involves 7 Areas that define the development of Early Subjective Thought:

3 Basic Areas & 4 Acute Areas

BA • Emerging Self-Awareness recognise existence & identity within environment
SI •  Questioning & Curiosity explore world, fostering inquiry & discovery
C3   •  Limited Empathy understanding emotions & perspectives of Others

AC  •  Expressing Personal Feelings emotional intelligence & self-regulation
U •  Narrative Abilities linguistic & emotio-cognitive expression
T •  Emerging Social Understanding interpersonal interactions navigation
E4 • Developing Opinions criticality & autonomy in decision-making

Basic3 Acute4 Areas

Basic categories encompass fundamental skills that lay the groundwork for more complex abilities in later stages. Acute categories reflect advanced skills that emerge as children's understanding and experiences deepen over time.

Subjectivity of Thought

Subjectivity of thought

…refers to the development of a child’s ability to understand and interpret their own thoughts, emotions, and the thoughts and emotions of others. Individual development can vary widely, so these stages are general guidelines rather than strict rules.

Subjectivity of Thought

Infancy

Infancy (0-2 years):

Infants are primarily focused on sensory experiences and basic needs. They begin to differentiate between themselves and the external world. While they might not fully understand their own thoughts and emotions, they react to them through facial expressions, body language and crying.

Infancy

Early Childhood

Early Childhood (2-6 years):

This stage is marked by the development of symbolic thinking and language. Chn start to understand that their thoughts can be represented by words and symbols. They may engage in egocentric thinking, where they struggle to see things from others’ perspectives. Their understanding of emotions also becomes more nuanced and they can label basic emotions in themselves and others.

Early Childhood

Middle Childhood

Middle Childhood (6-11 years):

Cognitive development becomes more sophisticated during this period. Chn start to grasp the idea that others can have different thoughts, feelings and beliefs. They begin to understand the concept of perspective-taking and can consider multiple viewpoints. Their emotional vocabulary expands and they become better at identifying and expressing their own emotions and understanding the emotions of others.

Middle Childhood

Adolescence

Adolescence (12-18 years):

Adolescents experience significant changes in cognitive, emotional and social domains. They develop more abstract thinking abilities, allowing them to ponder complex concepts and hypothetical situations. They become more self-conscious and introspective, exploring their identities and values. They also gain a deeper understanding of others’ emotions and can engage in more empathetic and perspective-taking behaviour.

Adolescence