Final answer:
Children begin to understand emotional reactions and self-awareness around ages six to ten, with older teenagers recognizing more complex emotions and conflicts. The awareness of sexual orientation can start to surface around puberty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Children begin to understand that emotional reactions reflect desires and have an awareness of their own emotional state around the age of six to ten years. During this period, their self-esteem may fluctuate greatly with regard to peer acceptance and their interactions with others. Older teenagers, on the other hand, have a greater capacity to recognize the conflicts and emotions associated with more complex situations, like the impact of a divorce. However, the exact age at which individuals become fully aware of the reasoning behind their emotions can differ. It is also noted that at puberty, some adolescents may have sufficient self-awareness to announce their sexual orientation, but again, this varies from person to person.