Testing the twofold multidimensionality of academic self-concept: a study with Chinese vocational students

Abstract

In order to extend previous research on the twofold multidimensionality of academic self-concept (i.e. its domain-specific structure and separation into competence and affect components), the present study tests its generalisability among vocational students from mainland China. A Chinese version of self-description questionnaire I was administered to Year 1 secondary vocational students in three academic years (2006, 2007, 2008; N = 1053) measuring the self-concepts in Chinese (native language), English (non-native language), math and general school. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that models separating competence and affect components within each domain fitted better than pure domain-specific models. This pattern was consistent across the subsamples of students studying in the three academic years. Thus, the present findings support the generalisability of the twofold multidimensionality of academic self-concept to Chinese vocational students and to students’ native and non-native languages. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings for self-concept research and practice are discussed.