The Development of Mirror Self-Recognition in Different Sociocultural Contexts

摘要: The overarching goal of the present study was to trace development mirror self-recognition (MSR), as an index toddlers' sense themselves and others autonomous intentional agents, in different sociocultural environments. A total 276 toddlers participated study. Toddlers were either 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21 months old at their first assessment completed weekly MSR assessments over a period 6 weeks (N = 1,577). families from one four contexts: prototypical context (urban German middle-class families, n 82), two relational contexts (rural Indian rural Nso living subsistence-based ecologies, 54 80, respectively), autonomous-relational 60). In line with previous research, we hypothesized that onset would be earlier which mothers value support autonomy. addition, considered three factors covary culture might compromise cross-cultural validity behavioral measure independent agents: familiarity mirrors, culture-specific norms expressive behavior, motivation for tactile exploration. Finally, analyzed reactions specular image (e.g., pointing, playmate, experimenting behavior) across time well relation MSR. results indicate increased age all contexts. our hypotheses, rates higher autonomy-supporting cultural German, urban Indian) than they contexts(rural Indian, Nso). differences could not, however, explained by behavior. agents is further supported positive associations between pronoun use Cross-cultural variation best caretakers' emphasis on socialization goals, followed These findings enhance current understanding more general terms adding puzzle piece emerging picture developmental pathways. order understand processes, must take into account models exercise caution when generalizing beyond specific hand.