SELF-CONCEPT AS CORRELATE OF INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AMONG INSCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The formation of self-concept and interpersonal relationship are pivotal to the developmental tasks of adolescence. In view of this, this study investigated the self-concept and interpersonal relationship of in-school adolescents in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State. The correlation research design was employed for the study. The proportionate sampling technique was used to select 200 respondents who participated in the study. Data were collected using a self-designed instrument entitled “Self-Concept and Interpersonal Relationship Questionnaires” (SCIRQ); with a Cronbach Alpha reliability index of 0.78. The data collected were analyzed using percentage and Pearson’s (r) correlation statistic and all hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between emotional (Cal. r = 0.29; p < 0.05), physical (Cal. r = 0.34; p < 0.05) and social self-concepts (Cal. r = 0.43; p < 0.05) and interpersonal relationship among secondary school students in Kwara State; while a negative correlation was found between academic self-concept (Cal. r = -0.31; p < 0.05) and interpersonal relationship among the respondents. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that school counsellors, parents and other stakeholders in the education sector should enhance adolescents’ interpersonal relationship by strengthening their physical, social and emotional self-concepts through relevant social skills training and counseling interventions.