In rare moments we question our real image in today's world, having a quick feeling of unreality. Even if we don't remember, this started early in life, helping in our social construction. Understand better the theory of mirror stage and its fundamental role in our growth.

What is the mirror stage?

The mirror stage is the mental instant when the child perceives his bodily unity Through an identification with the image reflected in the mirror and of another person, he understands that he too is unity. Thus, he creates mechanisms to understand and evaluate that he too has an image and an identity.

Basically, it is shown as the moment when the child finally finds and understands her image in the mirror. Initially, it is a stranger, something that is understood as the opposite later. Even at such a young age, she realizes that human contact is warm and malleable, not cold and flat.

The prototype of this work began in 1931 with Henri Wallon, psychologist, baptizing it as the "Mirror Test". However, it was Lacan who perfected the work and left important pillars in the theory.

The hand of the unconscious

As opened lines above, it was Henri Wallon who initiated the basis of the mirror stadium. Five years later, Lacan takes up this work again, but not before making important changes to development. This is because Wallon believed that the process was totally conscious, at the child's choice, even though the child was so immature.

Lacan, in turn, established and preserved the idea that everything occurs unconsciously in the infantile imagination According to him, the little one lacks motor coordination and power because of his tender age. Yet he is perfectly capable of imagining the apprehension and control of his body. He may not control it, but he imagines his potential to do so.

The body, its corporeal unity, is operated through identification with the figure of the similar in total form. It is illustrated and elevated through the experience that the baby understands its own reflected appearance. In this way, the mirror stage would be the matrix of what would become the Ego in the future.

Personality Building

On a daily basis, the child gets to know himself through those who nurture a relationship with him. As he grows older, he makes associations and nurtures perceptions about those who interact with him. This includes her own name, since, aurally, she gets to know herself better through a sound identity .

Although it may seem small, all of this helps the child's development to flow as expected. However, it should be noted that this alone is not enough to individualize the child in relation to its body. This is done through gradual detachments, such as weaning, the first steps, and the first words.

"I tried to run away from myself, but everywhere I went, I was"

The mirror stage proposes that the child constructs an identification with his or her similar. His imagery works in such a way as to make the child see himself through someone or something Throughout its initial moments, this is done with the help of the:

Mirror

As the main object of this article, the mirror takes on the temporary function of a point to the child. It is worth emphasizing again that the object itself is not important, but its objective is The little one sees himself in it, believes it is another baby, but perceives his own image. This triggers parts of the principles regarding identity.

The mother

Another way for children to see themselves is through their own mother. The daily contact stimulates them to seek reference points in their matriarch. Touch, care, affection, and words serve as a reference point for the child to find herself.

The Company

The mirror stage lasts until about 18 months of age, when the child is more accustomed to the comings and goings in the house. As he maintains contact with different people, he also tries to see himself reflected in them. This allows him to identify or deny some personal characteristics.

The Search

The mirror stage proposes that the child, even when still so small, already begins an unconscious search for himself. The mirror itself would not be so relevant, but its primary function is what gives the contrast Through him, the little one begins a journey intending to discover more about what his mind has captured, starting with:

Questions

As soon as the individual comes across the mirror and the object reflected in it, he begins to question himself. At first he may believe it is another child, but gradually this impression fades. The smooth, cold surface, while convincing, is not someone alive Thus, he gradually begins to identify himself in it.

Reference

As in the mirror, the baby will seek reference when looking at his own adults. Unconsciously, he aims at the identification of his own image, first of body and then of mind. This partly contradicts that maturational development was what helped the constitution of the I in the child. It also depends on the implication with someone else.

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Fragmentation

While seeking to identify himself in the world, the child ends up making a confusion of himself and the other. This is because he can begin to see himself as he really is, showing a clear sign of a fragmented body under construction. As time goes by, he is able to conclude the idea of a unified body, helped by his experience with the mirror .

Final comments on the Mirror Stadium

Even though they may seem linear and predictable in their actions, from a young age children already start the process of identity construction. This begins around the first months of life, the appropriate time for the mirror stage to be built. Through it, the child works to see himself, identify himself, and seek autonomy.

Autonomy comes in relation to not getting caught up in someone else's identity to build one's own. With the right stimulus, we can make this experience happen as expected. Once they become aware that they are who they are, the little ones can open themselves up to the next stages of life.

In order to ensure proper knowledge of concepts such as Mirror Stadium Through it, you can understand the catalysts of human behavior and understand your motivations. Since it is entirely virtual, you can study when and where you think is best. This flexibility aims at learning adequately and personalized to your personal rhythm.