The forming of self-image in children having been brought up in families and in residential institutions is compared. A mirror was used as an experimental apparatus. Reaction to child's own reflection was observed beginning at three months of age. Ten-months-olds brought up in families recognized themselves and differentiated their own reflections from that of other persons and of toys. Infants from institutions in such a situation often demonstrated indifference and negative emotions. A child's self-image depends on social interactions, communication and action experience; a difference between children brought up in fa-mily and in institution is a result of inadequate personal contacts of a child and adult.