Self-concept: a function of self-perceived somatotype.

Abstract

The Tennessee Self-concept Scale was employed to assess multiple dimensions of self-concept in 284 college males; the Perceived Somatotype Scale was used to assess three indices of somatotype. MANOVA revealed significant differences in global self-concept among the self-perceived somatotype (PSS), the perceived-ideal somatotype (PSI), and the self-ideal discrepancy (PSD) groups. Univariate analyses indicated that the PSS groups differed significantly in all but the Moral-Ethical dimension of self-concept, while no univariate self-concept differences were found among the PSI groups. The PSD groups differed markedly on all but the Moral-Ethical and Family Self subscales. The assertion that somatotype affords little psychological predictive utility needs amendment in light of the findings of the present study.