Becky is struggling to learn her alphabet letters. Her kindergarten teacher, frustrated by failed attempts to teach her, says to Becky, "All the other girls and boys can write most of the letters and you can't even say their names." The teacher believes she is motivating the child to work harder by comparing Becky to the others. Which of the following predictions is most consistent with Cooley's theory of self-development?
Becky will develop a sense of agency because she is more motivated to compete with her peers.
2) Becky will not develop a sense of agency because she is not given adequate support.
3) Becky will work harder to develop her sense of self-esteem.
4) Becky will incorporate her teacher's negative evaluations into her construction of her own sense of self.
Based on Cooley's theory of self-development, the most consistent prediction would be option 4: "Becky will incorporate her teacher's negative evaluations into her construction of her own sense of self."
According to Cooley's theory of the "looking-glass self," individuals develop their sense of self through the reflections of others. In this scenario, Becky's teacher's negative evaluation of her abilities is likely to impact Becky's perception of herself. The teacher's comparison of Becky to the other children may lead Becky to internalize these negative judgments and incorporate them into her own self-concept. This can contribute to Becky developing a negative view of her skills and abilities, potentially undermining her self-esteem and motivation to learn.
It is important to note that Cooley's theory also emphasizes the role of supportive interactions and positive feedback from others in the development of a healthy sense of self. In this case, the teacher's approach lacks adequate support and may hinder Becky's self-development. Option 2: "Becky will not develop a sense of agency because she is not given adequate support" can also be a valid prediction in this scenario.