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Child Psychology Classics: The Mirror Test

Child Development Classics · November 30, 2022

Sneak peek: What does the “mirror test” in babies tell us about their self-awareness?

At some point or another many parents have placed their infant in front of a mirror and wondered if their child could understand that it was their own reflection they were seeing. In the realms of child development and parenting, this is a common question.

Based on the infant’s reaction, most parents realize pretty quickly that their baby doesn’t really understand that it is themselves in the mirror. This raises the question: when do babies and young children begin to develop a sense of self? Child psychologists have used this mirror test for babies in a creative way to help uncover the answer to this question.

baby mirror test

 

 

When Do Babies Recognize Themselves in the Mirror?

In a classic psychological experiment in the 1970s, researchers took a group of children ages 6 to 24 months and placed a spot of lipstick on their noses. They then placed the children in front of a mirror (hence the term “mirror test”) to see how they responded. Here’s what they found:

– Young infants (age 6-12 months) seem to think the baby in the mirror is another baby. They smile and approach the baby in a friendly way.

– Older babies (age 13-24 months) respond with a little more hesitation at this point. Researchers aren’t sure if the children know that the reflection is themselves or whether they still think it is another child.

– Toddlers (age 20-24 months) seem to clearly recognize that the reflection in the mirror is their own. The clear sign of this is that while looking in the mirror, they touch the dot of lipstick on their own nose instead of touching the mirror.

Related reading: Understanding Toddler Growth Spurts (includes a printable guide for what behavior to expect from ages 2-6)

Of course, the results of this mirror test for babies are not clear-cut. Just because a toddler recognizes themselves in the mirror doesn’t necessarily mean they have a mental concept of themselves. It may simply mean that by this age they have enough visual maturity to distinguish themselves in the mirror. Other, more complex studies would have to be conducted to determine when the mental concept of the self emerges.

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Interestingly, animal studies have shown that some of the more intelligent mammals such as elephants, dolphins, and chimpanzees also recognize themselves in the mirror. Does this mean that these animals have a mental concept of “the self?” Who knows? It seems unlikely but maybe so. All these animals have fairly complex social systems so maybe they do have a concept of self.

**This post contains affiliate links. When purchasing items through these links, I received a small commission (at no added cost to you.) Thanks!

Could you tell when your child started to develop a concept of themselves? How could you tell?

For more info check out this article.

 

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It addresses many common parenting myths like attachment, spanking, spoiling and more!

when do babies recognize themselves in the mirror

Here are some other posts you might enjoy:

Why Preschoolers Don’t Follow Instructions

Child Psych Classics: Attachment Theory

Why Child Development and Parenting Research is Important

Creating a Perfect and Functional Nursery Room & Motherhood Tips from the Experts


More classic child psychology resources:

the whole brain child My all-time favorite parenting book. Research-based and helps you understand how to work with your child’s developing brain

how to talk so little kids will listen This classic book is classic for a reason. Great advice for how to use language in a way that kids understand and are motivated to comply.

the psychology of the childA classic for any student of child psychology or interested parent.

nurture shock A wonderful book to help you see past some popular myths of child development. Not everything you hear in the media is true and this book helps you sort out fact from fiction.

 

 

Filed Under: Child Development Classics Tagged With: babies, child development, self-concept

Amy Webb, Ph.D.

Writer and mom of two who brings academic child development and parenting information into the lives of ordinary parents who can use it in their daily lives.

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Amy Webb
As a mom of two young boys, I've seen first-hand how research-based child development information, combined with intuition, can guide you through your parenting journey. Although I have a Ph.D.in Human Development and Family Sciences, many of my real parenting discoveries have come through my experience. I believe parenting with confidence comes from knowledge; parenting with grace comes from insight. Join me on this parenting journey of learning and discovery

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