Self-concept Characteristics Research Articles

Subjective Indicators of Overtraining and Their Relationship to Sport Fitness: A 1-year Observation of Elite Athletes

This study explores the relationships among indicators of overtraining in adolescent athletes. The research employed widely-accepted tools for subjective overtraining indicator detection, as identified through a systematic review. Two groups of athletes were observed, comprising 13 athletes with bi-weekly assessments and 66 athletes with assessments every 3 months over a one-year period. The study analyzed relationships between variables using repeated measures correlations. A correlation matrix was subjected to principal component analysis. Three fundamental groups of indicators, reflecting negative emotionality (accompanied by sleep problems), self-concept characteristics, and core symptoms of overtraining syndrome captured through subjective sport fitness and vigor. This research emphasizes the intrinsic link between emotional and physical aspects in the lives of elite athletes, shedding light on the complex interplay of overtraining indicators in the context of adolescent developmental period.

Problem-Solving Personality Characteristics as Predictors of Academic Achievement among Gifted and Talented Learners in Public Primary Schools in Nairobi County

Gifted and talented learners exhibit personality characteristics that make them manifest different competencies to undertake tasks that their peers cannot. However, in Nairobi County, learning competencies of talented and gifted pupils in public primary schools are below average. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the personality characteristics as predictors of academic achievement among gifted and talented learners in public primary schools in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study adopted a field survey research design. Target population comprised 3,247 teachers and 19,863 learners in classes VI-VIII totalling 23, 110 participants from which a sample of 391 respondents was determined using Yamane’s Formula. Stratified sampling was used to create 17 strata based on number of sub-counties in Nairobi County. From each sub-county, 13 teachers and 10 gifted and talented learners in classes were randomly selected. This procedure realized a sample of 221 teachers and 170 gifted and talented learners in classes VI-VIII. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers and learners. A pilot study was conducted among 40 respondents from a sample of public primary schools in Nairobi County to establish validity and reliability. Validity was ascertained based on the views of experts in educational psychology and special needs. Reliability was determined using split-half technique and reliability coefficient, r = 0.725, was obtained using Cronbach’s Alpha Method which indicated high reliability. Qualitative data were analysed thematically along the objectives and presented thematically in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS 23) to test the hypotheses. Quantitative findings were presented using tables and charts. Results indicated that gifted learners in Nairobi County public schools exhibited positive self-concept characteristics, practiced self-regulated learning, engaged in problem-solving frequently, and benefitted from achievement motivation. Also, analysis of the results addressing the null hypothesis showed that problem-solving has a statistically significant influence on academic achievement among gifted and talented learners in public primary schools in Nairobi County. The variable is positively correlated with number work activities (r = .508, p = .005), language activities (r = .538, p = .003), and essential life skills (r = .500, p = .006). It was recommended that Teachers and parents should create an appropriate learning environment for gifted pupils in public schools to create a positive self-concept, motivation, regulated learning, and problem-solving approach to improve their academic achievement.

The Urgency of Self-Concept Characteristics in Building High School Students' Learning Motivation

Self-concept is something that must be owned by everyone. The concept of self is not carried from birth, but develops over time and is influenced by the environment. The development of self-concept at every level or age is different, especially in elementary and middle school. The world of education also plays an active role in the development of self-concept, but self-concept also affects education. The development of motivation to learn in a student is related to self-concept, so the characteristics of the self-concept need to be developed according to the age of the student. Moreover, high school students who are classified as adolescents, with characters who want to be recognized and try to find their identity. Self-concept will play a big role in the transitional period between childhood and adulthood. This study used a qualitative descriptive method using research instruments in the form of observation, literature and interviews.

Managing precocious puberty: A necessity for psychiatric evaluation.

Precocious puberty (PP) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in school-age girls. It has been reported that there is an increased tendency for psychiatric disorders for early maturing girls. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychiatric problems and to investigate depression and anxiety levels, and self-concept characteristics in girls with PP. Girls with PP (n = 41) and controls (n = 45) aged 7-11 years participated in this study. Psychiatric evaluations were conducted with semi-structured interviews. Behavioral and emotional problems were assessed using Child Behavior Check List and Teacher Report Form. Children's Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children and Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale were administered, respectively. Girls with PP had significantly more psychiatric diagnosis than controls (68.3 % vs 20 %, p < 0.001). PP group had significantly higher anxious-depressed, somatic complaints, social problems, aggresive behaviors and interestingly autistic traits. Increased symptom levels of depression and anxiety, and lower self-concept scores were also obtained from PP subjects. PP is an independent predictor of psychiatric disorders. It is also associated with poorer psychiatric status, lower self esteem characteristics, and autistic traits. A multidisciplinary approach combining endocrinologic and psychiatric evaluations seem to be beneficial for the management of girls with PP.

PEMBENTUKAN KONSEP DIRI SISWA SMA MELALUI MEDIA SOSIAL INSTAGRAM

The development of social media, especially Instagram, is increasingly favored by young people. The resulting content seems to represent the self-concept of its users. This study aims to analyze the formation of self-concept of SMA Negeri 8 Jakarta students through social media Instagram. This study uses the theory of Uses and Gratifications and qualitative descriptive methods using observation, interviews, and collecting documentation as secondary data. The results of this study indicate that there are two reasons for self-concept formation in students of SMA Negeri 8 Jakarta in fulfilling their needs in using media, namely social integrity needs, and cognitive needs. Furthermore, the informants also have three characteristics of self-concept, namely: self-conclusive, self-protective, and real and ideal, true, and false selves. The things that can shape their self-concept are likes, comments, and the content they share, for the followers are not too important. Informants are more confident in interacting on the Instagram application than directly because Instagram users do not meet face to face dir

Gender characteristics of self-concept among students-athletes

Self-concept is the base for personal activity demonstration, stimulation, goal-setting and achievements. Athletes’ Self-concept study helps to estimate significant factors and characteristics. They are important from the point of view of sports activity effectiveness. The article presents the results of Self-concept study among students-athletes. The results reflect partial content similarity of girls’ and boys’ Self-concept. It is in identification through professional roles and Self-concept differences. They are demonstrated in more vivid desire of girls to realize self-actualization. Self-concept gender characteristics study among students-athletes helps to explain the necessity to create gender-specific conditions of athletes’ sportsmanship development.

Characteristics of self-concept of computer gamers

Computer games, having become widespread, are a powerful cultural factor of present days that affects various aspects of a player’s personality. This article discusses such influence on user’s self-concept. The self-concept peculiarities of people who overindulge in computer games are highlighted. Interrelation between favorite game genres, chosen by players, and changes in their self-concept is revealed.

Trait Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance: Controlling for the Effects of IQ, Personality, and Self-Concept

This article analyses the relationship between trait emotional intelligence and academic performance, controlling for the effects of IQ, personality, and self-concept dimensions. A sample of 290 preadolescents (11-12 years old) took part in the study. The instruments used were (a) Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire—Adolescents Short Form (TEIQue-ASF); (b) Children’s Personality Questionnaire (CPQ; Form A, Part A); (c) IQ test TIDI-2; (d) Adaptation Questionnaire (CAI-1); and (e) academic performance. A positive and significant correlation coefficient between trait EI measured by the TEIQue-ASF and general academic performance was found. The TEIQue-ASF showed incremental validity to predict general academic performance, after controlling for intelligence, personality, and self-concept characteristics.

The self-concept and personality of the children in the SOS children village

Objective To study the characteristics of self-concept and personality in the SOS children vil-lage's children. Methods Sixty-one children from SOS children village, sixty-one children with single parent and sixty-one children in intact family, matched with the SOS children in gender and age, were assessed by Piers-Harris children's self-concept Scale(PHCSS), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire for Children (EPQ) and general status questionnaire. Result In the PHCSS, the scores on behavior, body of color and attribute, blessedness and satisfac-tion and the total score of boys in the SOS group were lower than those in the intact family group's ((10.69± 2.74) vs (12.57±2.36),P=0.013;(6.51±2.63) vs (8.29±2.75), P=0.011;(6.54±1.93) vs (7.97± 1.60), P=0.004; (48.09±10.88) vs (55.86±10.11), P=0.007)). The E scale's score of the SOS group's girls was lower than that in the intact group (P=0.004). Children's self-concept status was related with their learning environment, family structure, parent' s learning expectation, daily communication, personality, number of good friends and academic performance (-0.566 < r < 0.395). Conclusions The self-concept status of girls in the SOS children village show lower level. The personality of boys in the SOS children village tend to be introver-sive and stable. Children's self-concept status was related with the factors of their personality, life environment,family structure,et al. Key words: SOS children village; Child; Self-concept; Personality

Sex, gender and self-concept: predicting web shopping site design preferences

Studies of sex differences in website design preferences often attribute these differences to gender roles and thereby directly link sex and gender identity. This paper, however, demonstrates the value of measuring specific self-concept traits that are associated with gender identity, rather than inferring them from sex. A survey collected website feature importance ratings and measured Self-Orientation (agentic or interdependent) and Other-Orientation (communal or interdependent) self-concept characteristics, and found these characteristics were better predictors than sex. High-Other individuals desired website features that facilitated comprehensive processing of information-rich environments, while High-Self respondents preferred features that improved processing efficiency and minimised effort.

Beyond gender differences: Self-concept orientation and relationship-building applications on the Internet

Research concerning gender differences in Internet usage suggests greater interest among females in applications with relationship-building implications, and commonly refers to agentic and communal gender roles to explain such behaviors. However, a regression analysis of Web-based survey data collected from 386 respondents concerning their use of such Internet applications found that usage was better predicted when agentic (Self-Orientation) and communal (Other-Orientation) self-concept characteristics were measured rather than assumed from biological sex. With the exception of instant messaging, Other-Orientation was a positive predictor of usage rates for relational applications including email, greeting cards, and finding new friends or relationships. Furthermore, Other-Orientation either added to or superseded the prediction afforded by biological sex.

Analysis of Self-Concept in Older Adults in Different Contexts

Summary: Self-concept is a construct consisting of a group of specific self-perceptions that are hierarchically organized. Age-associated changes of self-concept are related to the individual's perception of the changes occurring throughout the aging process. The authors examined external validity and internal consistency of an instrument that has been developed to assess self-concept in older adults and examined self-concept's characteristics in two different contexts. Results confirm the multidimensionality of the scale and show a satisfactory external validity, indicating good discriminatory capacity. Findings support the hypothesis that older people who live in a nursing home have a poor self-esteem, self-concept, and psychological well-being and have a greater presence of depressive symptoms than people who live in their own home.

Perceived continuity of self in very old age.

Little is known about how the changes of very late life affect identity. One hundred fifty of the oldest old were asked how they thought they had changed over the years and how they had remained the same. Responses were coded for perceived change in both core self ("I") and self-descriptors ("me"). Almost all the respondents thought they were still essentially the same person ("I"), and although they could point to ways in which they had changed in specific characteristics of self-concept ("me"), there was considerable stability in that as well. Also, not all the changes identified were negative. Perceived continuity was related to positive affect but apparently not to either recent disruptive events or mortality.

The Developmental Dialectic of International Human-Rights Advocacy

This article describes the psychological processes leading to international human-rights advocacy. Based upon a series offocus group interviews with international human-rights advocates, the findings suggest that the developmental processes leading to human-rights advocacy can be described as a dialectic between one's view of society and one's self-concept. Self-concept vis-A-vis society then figures prominently as a rationalefor taking action, as advocates act to maintain a sense of congruency between self-concept and behavior. The paper outlines the specific self-concept characteristics of advocates, their perspectives of their society, and how the interaction of the two can result in political advocacy for the rights of those outside one's own group.

Reticent primary grade children and their more talkative peers: Verbal, nonverbal, and self-concept characteristics.

This report describes research with 128 kindergarten children, the purpose of which was to assess the stability of verbal behavior and the relationship of verbal and nonverbal abilities and self-concept to talkativeness in the classroom. The children were divided into verbal and quiet groups on the basis of teacher rankings in the fall of kindergarten. Rankings in the spring term indicated that about one third of the quiet children became more verbal, thus making for a subdivision of the quiet children into the reticent group, who remained quiet, and the mixed group, who became more talkative. This distinction proved important because reticent children obtained lower parental ratings of communication skills at home and lower scores on a variety of language tests administered in Grade 1 than did verbal children; the mixed group obtained intermediate scores. No differences were observed among reticent, mixed, and verbal children on a general measure of self-concept. These findings are discussed in light of the literatures on shyness and classroom discourse.

Reticent primary grade children and their more talkative peers: Verbal, nonverbal, and self-concept characteristics.

Reticent primary grade children and their more talkative peers: Verbal, nonverbal, and self-concept characteristics.

Pathological narcissism in an eight-year-old boy: An example of Bellak's TAT and CAT diagnostic system.

Narcissistic pathology is difficult to assess in psychological testing of children and adults. Contemporary psychoanalytic diagnosis is based on Freud's (1915) metapsychological points of view and A. Freud's (1965) developmental profile, as in Schafer's (1954) Rorschach approach and Bellak's (1986) system for the Thematic Apperception Test and Children's Apperception Test. Bellak (1986) provided an analysis of the relation of the ego (self-concept characteristics of the main hero, conception of the world, interpersonal object relations, defense mechanisms, and 12 ego functions), id (thematic analysis, needs, anxieties, and significant conflicts), and superego. A case example of narcissistic pathology in a young child's Children's Apperception Test demonstrates this method of psychoanalytic diagnosis.

Further Research into Antecedents and Correlates of Androgyny

243 male and 367 female college students were administered the Bern Sex-role Inventory and research instruments designed to measure the student's level of identification with parents, parental task distribution in the subject's family, the subject's mother's participation in the labor force, and the subject's self-concept characteristics, plans for forming a family, and social and political attitudes. The findings indicated that level of identification of males with their mothers was positively related to their femininity while for females mother's participation in the labor force had a positive effect on masculinity. Furthermore, sex-role traits were significantly related to self-concept factors and plans for formation of a family of both the males and females and to the social and political attitudes of males.

Re-Entry Women: A Selective Review of the Educational Process, Career Choice, and Interest Measurement

Overview This review examines some factors related to the of women to postsecondary education and draws implications for needed research. It includes areas that are necessary to the larger goals of studying educational and career patterns of women, and to the development of adequate program evaluation models. The first part of the review considers barriers and opportunities in postsecondary education for the mature woman. These barriers include college restrictions, family resistance, and financial problems, as well as attitudinal and selfconcept characteristics. Opportunities are examined in a review of frequently proposed solutions: counseling and special programs. One factor that limits these solutions at present is current theory and research on career choice for women, especially the re-entry woman. These major theories are briefly noted, as well as the findings of recent research studies, in the second part of this review. The third part deals specifically with a tool used by counselors-interest inventories. The issue of sex bias in interest measurement is discussed and recent research in the area is reviewed. The review concludes with implications for needed research-theoretical, programmatical, and in the area of interest measurement.

Self-Concept, Alienation, and Anxiety in a Contraculture and Subculture: A Research Report

The author is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Sacramento State College in California. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Iowa in 1965. His major area of interest and research is race relations and intracultural relations. A questionnaire designed to measure characteristics of self-concept, alienation, and anxiety-was administered to a sample of institutionalized delinquents, non-institutionalized delinquents, and non-delinquent adolescents for the purpose of testing some aspects of the Yinger-Cavan approach to delinquent behavior. The hypotheses were generally supported with the exception that the noninstitutionalized delinquents were the most alienated as well as the most socially anchored of the three groups. It was suggested that the marginal status of the non-institutionalized delinquents offered the best explanation for this unanticipated and contradictory finding.