Identiteitsvorming by Ses Individue wat in hulle Kinder- en Adolessentejare Lede van die Wagtoring-organisasie was

Abstract

The impressions of the self are established in the group in which a child grows up. For the purpose of this article, a literature study was conducted which aimed at highlighting a few important aspects of self-concept formation among young children, by focusing in particular on essential environmental requirements in the process of adequate self-concept formation. Owing to its distinctive characteristics, the Watchtower Organization may be regarded as an organisation which not only sets exceptionally high standards for its members, but also has an influence at all levels of their everyday lives. Organisations such as these are regarded as cults by certain researchers, while others classify them as closed, high demand groups (Furnari, 2005:1). By focusing on the operational methods of the Watchtower, this article elucidates the process of self-concept formation of four people who have been longstanding members and two other individuals who joined the Organisation as adolescents and post-school juveniles. This article briefly discloses certain processes that influence self-concept formation. The article also raises the argument that certain inherent operational methods of the Watchtower Organisation may be detrimental to the establishment of an adequate self-concept among children and adolescents.