Adolescent Self Concept, Family Type and Conflict: An Empirical Investigation

Abstract

SynopsisThis study examines the impact of family structure (intact, blended and sole parent) on the self concept of male and female adolescents. Two hundred and nineteen adolescents from the eighth and ninth grade were assessed on Marsh’s Self Description Questionnaire and a scale measuring intrafamilial conflict. Conflict and parental type did not interact, although self concept did discriminate between the various family structures in the hypothesised direction. Multiple regression analyses revealed that conflict was the best predictor of self concept, with family type contributing a marginal effect.