Final answer:
Self-recognition is an early indication that a young child's self-awareness is emerging, typically evident around 18 months old when they can identify themselves in a mirror reflection. The correct option is: b. Self-recognition.
Step-by-step explanation:
An early indication that a young child's self-awareness is emerging is self-recognition. In early development, babies do not have a concept of self and may perceive their reflection as another baby. However, by about 18 months, toddlers begin to recognize themselves in the mirror. This is evidenced by experiments like the mirror test, where a red dot of paint on the child's nose led them to touch their own nose when they saw their reflection in the mirror. This behavior indicates that they realize the image in the mirror is, in fact, themselves and not another person.
As children grow older, around 2-4 years of age, their increased social behavior and identification with gender roles, cooperation with other children, and autonomous actions further indicate the development of self-concept. Through interactions and play, children not only recognize themselves as individuals but also start to understand their preferences, abilities, and group memberships, such as identifying as a first grader or recognizing traits they share with peers.