Who Am I? The Developing Self-Concept of Scottish-Born Chinese Children: A Comparison With White Scottish, Mainland Chinese, and Hong Kong Chinese Children

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study explored cultural similarities and differences in personal and social identity across four groups of children (Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong Chinese, British-born Chinese, and White Scottish) in three age groups (ages 8, 11, and 14 years; N = 454). The “Who Am I?” Self-Description Questionnaire was employed. The results revealed significant differences in children’s understanding of social self across the cultural groups. Responses from all cultural groups indicated that individual-self representations were the most commonly reported aspects of self. However, the Chinese groups emphasized more collective-self responses than White Scottish children. Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong Chinese children’s perception of their individual-self increased across age groups. Study findings provided new insights into the developmental and cultural complexities in children’s identities.