This paper aims to describe, compare and discuss the theoretical models proposed by Patricia Greenfield, Çigdem Kagitçibasi and Heidi Keller. Their models have the common goal of understanding the developmental trajectories of self based on dimensions of autonomy and relatedness that are structured according to specific cultural and environmental aspects. They bring an important contribution to research in the area of Psychology that takes into account the role of context. Greenfield emphasises the importance of socio-demographic variables and social change. For Kagitçibasi, family plays an important role in self-development, which is understood from two dimensions: agency and interpersonal distance. Finally, Keller contributes to understanding the biologically cultural nature of human development, considering phylogenetic and ontogenetic aspects. The integration and further methodological improvements of three models may have important contributions to the understanding of developmental trajectories in their universal, cultural and socio-demographic aspects.