The developmental concept of self- is defined as the child's cognitive representation of self, or the substance and content of the child's self-conceptions.

The developmental concept of self refers to how a child perceives, understands, and represents themselves. This concept is formed and influenced by various factors such as their interactions with others, their experiences, and their understanding of the world around them. Here are the steps to understand this concept:

1. Cognitive Representation: This is the mental image a child has of themselves. It includes their beliefs about their characteristics, abilities, values, roles, and relationships. For example, a child might see themselves as a good friend, a good student, or a good sibling.

2. Substance and Content: This refers to the specific details of the child's self-conception. The substance could be their physical characteristics like their height, color, gender, etc. The content could be their personal characteristics like being kind, brave, smart, etc.

3. Developmental Process: The concept of self develops as the child grows. In early childhood, the self-concept is very concrete, focusing on observable characteristics. As the child matures, their self-concept becomes more abstract and incorporates psychological and sociological aspects.

4. Influencing Factors: The child's self-concept is influenced by their interactions with others (parents, teachers, peers), their experiences (successes, failures), and their understanding of the world. Positive interactions and experiences can lead to a positive self-concept, while negative ones can lead to a negative self-concept.

5. Importance: The concept of self is crucial for a child's development. It influences their behavior, their relationships, their learning, and their mental health. A positive self-concept can lead to positive outcomes, while a negative self-concept can lead to problems like low self-esteem, poor academic performance, and mental health issues.