The Mirror Stage

The Mirror Stage, a concept by psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan, describes a developmental phase around 6 to 18 months old when a child recognizes their reflection in a mirror for the first time. This moment helps the child form a sense of self or "ego," as they identify with their image. It marks the beginning of self-awareness and understanding of who they are as separate from others. This experience influences how they see themselves and interact with the world, shaping their identity and perceptions of their own body and agency.