At what age does the ego typically begin to develop?

The ego typically begins to develop around six months of age. During this period, infants start to differentiate themselves from their environment and begin to understand that they are separate entities from others. The development of the ego is a crucial aspect of Freud's psychosexual stages of development, as it represents the rational and realistic part of the personality that mediates between the basic impulses of the id and the moral constraints of the superego.

Around six months, infants also begin to exhibit behaviors that indicate a sense of self, such as recognition in mirrors and responding to their names, which are key indicators of ego development. This stage of development is fundamental as it lays the groundwork for later psychological growth and functioning, where the child learns to navigate their desires in relation to the realities of the external world.

Understanding these developmental milestones, particularly in regard to the ego, assists in grasping a broader range of psychological concepts and theories related to personality development and functioning throughout life.