Measurement of global self-concept versus multiple role-specific self-concepts in adolescents

N. Griffin, L. Chassin, R. D. Young

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

The current study tested a basic tenet of symbolic interactionist theory: namely that self-concept should be thought of as multiple and differentiated. One hundred high school students completed semantic differential ratings of themselves in four roles (student, athlete, son/daughter and best friend). A global self-rating ('Me') was also obtained. Discriminant function analyses and multivariate analyses of variance were used to compare sets of self-ratings. Significant differences were found between global self-ratings and role-specific self-ratings. Furthermore, self-ratings differed across different social roles. These results suggest that self-concept is better conceptualized as multiple and differentiated rather than as unitary and global.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)49-56
Number of pages8
JournalAdolescence
Volume16
Issue number61
StatePublished - Jan 1 1981
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Measurement of global self-concept versus multiple role-specific self-concepts in adolescents'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this