Healthy Self-concept Research Articles

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF FEUERSTEIN INSTRUMENTAL ENRICHMENT ON SELF-CONCEPT OF LEARNERS WITH BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS

The article was prepared within preparatory phase of research on impact of Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment (FIE) on self-concept of learners with behavioural problems. Its goal is to reveal the current state in research field concerning this topic in the Czech Republic. The programme FIE has been used in the Czech Republic since 1999, mostly for learners with special educational needs. The theoretical and research sources mostly describe the impact of FIE on the development and change of cognitive structures, the development of the art of learning and thinking (metacognition). Moreover, as one of the secondary objectives is also mentioned the restoration of a positive self-concept of the learners, precisely in compliance with the criteria of the mediated learning experience, e.g. by increasing the sense of competence of the learners and by learning to regulate their own behaviour. Thus, it influences the formation of healthy self-concept, self-confidence and self-acceptance of individuals participating in FIE. Generally stated, people who have a negative self-concept and/or low self-confidence are more likely to exhibit problem behaviour, whether in the family, school or wider social environment. In the Czech provenance, we found three studies that primarily address the impact of FIE on learners with behavioural problems - first on learners with serious behavioural problems living in residential educational institutions, second on learners with ADHD and third on children with problem behaviour. We managed to find four studies that partially aim to determine the level of self-concept/confidence/self-esteem/self-acceptance of FIE attendees. Five studies then report on the effect of FIO on self-concept/self-confidence/self-esteem/self-acceptance and six other studies present the impact of FIO on behaviour change of attendees (mentioned mostly as a side effect because the studies primarily did not address these aims).

활동중심 진로교육 프로그램이 초등학교 저학년의 진로인식에 미치는 효과

Objectives Through this study, we would like to find out how activity-oriented career education programs affect the career perception of lower elementary school students. The purpose is to analyze the effect of activity-oriented career education programs considering learners' interest and development characteristics on elementary school career perception and present basic data to strengthen elementary school career education.
 Methods To this end, the researcher developed a total of 12 activity-oriented career education programs. In order to verify the effectiveness of the above program, we used the test tool of Choi Hyejin(2017), which modified and supplemented the career awareness test developed by Yoonkyung Eo(2008) in the ‘Research on the Development of Career Awareness Test for Elementary School Students’ to suit the level of elementary school students. To find out the effect of the activity-based career education program on career recognition for lower grades of elementary school, a statistical analysis was conducted on the changes of the two groups before and after the experiment.
 Results Compared to before the experiment, the overall score of the experimental group increased significantly after the experiment was completed, indicating that the activity-based career education program had a positive effect on the career perception of lower elementary school students. In addition, as a result of analyzing the pre- and post-test results of the experimental group and the control group, career recognition scores did not increase in the control group without applying the activity-based career education program, while career recognition scores of the experimental group applied the program increased significantly.
 Conclusions The activity-oriented program developed in consideration of the development characteristics and interests of lower-grade elementary school students had a positive effect on cultivating students' career awareness. Through this, it is necessary to actively develop career education programs that are different from games, activities, and experiences that lower-grade students can experience in school, and to develop healthy self-concept and proper job values through career education.

Self-concept among Indonesian adolescents in coastal areas: A cross-sectional study

Background: Adolescence is a transitional phase from childhood to adulthood, characterized by various biological, psychological, and social changes. Adolescents living in coastal regions are exposed to social-environmental risk factors that can affect their emotional wellbeing, primarily due to the demanding and unpredictable nature of coastal communities. These challenging and volatile circumstances can have a negative impact on adolescents’ emotions, making them more vulnerable to mental and emotional disorders. Objective: This study aimed to examine the self-concept and its differences according to sociodemographic factors among adolescents residing in coastal areas of Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed for this study, which involved 644 adolescents living in coastal regions of Indonesia, specifically in the West Sumatra and Bali provinces. The Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS) 2nd Edition Short Form was used to assess self-concept from August to September 2022. Descriptive statistics, Independent-t-test, and One-way ANOVA were utilized for data analysis. Results: The findings revealed that adolescents in coastal areas had a high level of self-concept. A statistically significant difference was discovered in the overall self-concept according to gender (p = 0.002). Similarly, a significant difference was observed in the physical domain based on class level (p = 0.019). Regarding the personal domain, significant differences were identified according to age (p = 0.030), class level (p = 0.030), parent's marital status (p = 0.030), father's education (p = 0.05), and family income (p = 0.01). Furthermore, in the family domain, significant differences were found based on parents’ marital status (p <0.001) and adolescents’ residence status (p = 0.002). Additionally, a significant difference in the academic domain was observed with respect to gender (p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were noted in the moral ethics and social domains across all sociodemographic variables (p >0.05). Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for attention from various stakeholders, including mental health nurses, to prioritize interventions to promote positive self-concept among adolescents, consider sociodemographic factors that influence self-concept, and address areas of dissatisfaction such as moral behavior and academic/work efficiency. Incorporating family support and nurturing positive parent-child relationships are also important for fostering a healthy self-concept in adolescents.

Self-concept among Indonesian adolescents in coastal areas: A cross-sectional study.

Adolescence is a transitional phase from childhood to adulthood, characterized by various biological, psychological, and social changes. Adolescents living in coastal regions are exposed to social-environmental risk factors that can affect their emotional wellbeing, primarily due to the demanding and unpredictable nature of coastal communities. These challenging and volatile circumstances can have a negative impact on adolescents' emotions, making them more vulnerable to mental and emotional disorders. This study aimed to examine the self-concept and its differences according to sociodemographic factors among adolescents residing in coastal areas of Indonesia. A cross-sectional design was employed for this study, which involved 644 adolescents living in coastal regions of Indonesia, specifically in the West Sumatra and Bali provinces. The Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS) 2nd Edition Short Form was used to assess self-concept from August to September 2022. Descriptive statistics, Independent-t-test, and One-way ANOVA were utilized for data analysis. The findings revealed that adolescents in coastal areas had a high level of self-concept. A statistically significant difference was discovered in the overall self-concept according to gender (p = 0.002). Similarly, a significant difference was observed in the physical domain based on class level (p = 0.019). Regarding the personal domain, significant differences were identified according to age (p = 0.030), class level (p = 0.030), parent's marital status (p = 0.030), father's education (p = 0.05), and family income (p = 0.01). Furthermore, in the family domain, significant differences were found based on parents' marital status (p <0.001) and adolescents' residence status (p = 0.002). Additionally, a significant difference in the academic domain was observed with respect to gender (p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were noted in the moral ethics and social domains across all sociodemographic variables (p >0.05). This study emphasizes the need for attention from various stakeholders, including mental health nurses, to prioritize interventions to promote positive self-concept among adolescents, consider sociodemographic factors that influence self-concept, and address areas of dissatisfaction such as moral behavior and academic/work efficiency. Incorporating family support and nurturing positive parent-child relationships are also important for fostering a healthy self-concept in adolescents.

교사의 교육 ODA 수행 경험의 특징 탐색

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of teachers’ performance through educational ODA experiences. Methods: Five teachers who have participated in educational ODA for more than two years and who are continuing their research and activities in related fields after participation were selected as research participants. In-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed based on the qualitative content analysis method. Results: As a result of the study, a total of ten performance characteristics as themes were derived in a total of three domains. In the basic area, the themes were derived from the constant interest and experience of service, and the challenge of pursuing new things without being complacent. Themes during performance are performance completion with a healthy self-concept, flexible transformation and application of educational expertise, selection and use of media for cross-cultural communication formation of friendly relationships with others, and reflection and commitment found in mistakes. After completion of projects, characteristics such as understanding with a broader perspective, continuous research and expansion of experience, and externalization of experience and commitment emerged. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the performance of teachers participating in educational ODA shows similarities with ODA educators, but also has unique characteristics. The study suggests implications for the development of competency models and educational programs for educational ODA.

2.5 Reenvisioning the Emotional Experience of Boys: The Role of Family

This Clinical Perspectives aims to inform child and adolescent psychiatrists of the role that families can play to raise emotionally and socially well-developed youth and to convert adverse moments to opportune times for healthy self-concept in youth. The goal is to highlight how families can mitigate the negative and narrow views of boys into more expansive and open self-views.

An Analysis of Students’ Academic Self-Concept in English as Predictor of Their Academic Performance

The main concern of the current work was to analyze the academic self-concept (ASC) of students in English as a predictor of their performance. For this purpose, overall, 288 students representing both genders enrolled in grade 10 were the respondents of the study. A Likert scale method was administered to find students’ extent of academic self-concept to further correlate it with their obtained marks in English in the final exam of the 9th class. A demographic-based analysis was conducted under both descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean score, Standard Deviation, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, Independent sample t-test, and ANOVA were the major data analysis techniques involved in the analysis carried over SPSS. After analysis, a positive and significant relationship was explored between these two variables. The gender-based difference in both variables was found to be insignificant. A reasonable extent of the self-concept of respondents was also evident. The study concludes that a conducive learning environment is provided to students in academic courses and subjects keeping in view their academic self-beliefs so that they may enable themselves to identify their potential, goals, and ambitions for that particular subject and ultimately excel in it. Undoubtedly, students’ healthy self-concept stimulates them for high-level performance.

Body image perception as predictor of positive and negative self-concept scale for young adults (BIPS)

PurposeBody image perception is a complex cognitive process that involves several different dimensions. This has necessitated several studies to have different findings about each dimension, therefore. This is because body image perception is a continuous and constantly evolving process. The development of self-concept depends largely on positive or negative perception of body image in today’s time. This paper aims to develop an instrument to measure beliefs and attitudes of people involved in the perception of body image, defined as the perception that a person has of their physical self and the thoughts and feelings that result into a positive or negative self-concept.Design/methodology/approachThe factorial structure, reliability, content validity and impact of gender on factor structure of body image perception scale (BIPS) were examined among university students (N = 200) in study, with male (n = 100) and female (n = 100) population. Self-made instrument BIPS was used.FindingsExploratory factor analysis using direct obliman method based on principal component analysis indicated a three-factor, 20-item scale including subscales 1) negative feeling; 2) public perception; and 3) future success. BIPS exhibited decent reliability (0.789) and content validity in both male and female university students, suggesting a highly significant difference between the two genders on BIPS.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation was that the sample was obtained from student population; therefore, it will not be entirely correct to generalize it to the whole population of Pakistan. Future studies need to include samples from different populations in Pakistan to bring out a more generalized view and try to minimize the variances in sample as much as possible for better results. Finally, the sample was drawn only from educated and young adult males and females (age ranging 17–28). Middle age and old age people must be included in future study. Also, in this study incremental and discriminant validity can be computed by comparing results on BIPS with any other body image questionnaire.Practical implicationsThis standard instrument can be efficiently used for the research purpose and will enable the researcher to identify the positive and negative feelings and attitudes of male and females towards their body image and towards the development of healthy self-concept. The scale can be used by clinical psychologists and medical health professionals to help assess and treat their patients more accurately.Originality/valueAll in all, it can be suggested that the findings received illustrated that body image perception differs significantly among both men and women in Pakistani culture. The newly established version of BIPS with its high reliability indicates that the scale can be used in future as well with diverse populations to assess whether which among them hold either positive or negative self-concept of themselves based on their body image perceptions. Moreover, as the psychometric strength of the scale is well established, it can be used with future researches by health psychologists, dietitians and nutritionists to identify body image concerns among young males and females, especially in individuals with eating disorders.

Impact of Social Context on the Self-Concept of Gay and Lesbian Youth: A Systematic Review

Objectives Self-concept distortion has been extensively linked with decreasing mental health in gay and lesbian youth. Social context has been proposed to have a moderating effect on the development of a healthy self-concept. However, no good quality review has approached these concepts with regards to LGBT youth. Methods A systematic review was conducted on the relationship between social context and self-concept in gay and lesbian youth. Twenty studies were included in the review. Results Quality assessment of papers yielded moderate methodological strength. Findings implied that social context has considerable influence on self-concept development. Discrepancies in assessment methods, areas of social context examined, and one-dimensional nature of examining self-concept interferes with drawing explicit conclusions regarding the relationship between social context and self-concept. Conclusion Positivity of social context is not conclusively relatable to positive self-concept development, and similarly, a negative context is not predetermining of self-concept distortions. Building on resilience factors of gay and lesbian youth, working together with families, and advancing and utilizing available educational and community resources should mitigate the strength of overt and covert heterosexism hindering healthy self-concept development. Further longitudinal and cross-cultural research will be necessary to provide insight into the mechanisms of associations.

Intrapersonal predictors of weight bias internalization among elementary school children: a prospective analysis

BackgroundWeight-related stigmatization is a widespread problem. Particularly the internalization of weight-related stereotypes and prejudices (weight bias internalization, WBI) is related to mental and physical health impairments. To date, little is known about the risk factors of WBI. Previous studies are mainly cross-sectional and based on adult samples. As childhood is a sensitive period for the development of a healthy self-concept, we examined predictors of WBI in children.MethodsThe final sample included 1,463 schoolchildren (6–11 years, 51.7% female) who took part in a prospective study consisting of three measurement waves. The first two waves delivered data on objective weight status and self-reported weight-related teasing, body dissatisfaction, relevance of one’s own figure, self-esteem and depressive symptoms; WBI was measured during the third wave. To examine predictors of WBI, we ran hierarchical regression analyses and exploratory mediation analyses.ResultsLower parental education level, higher child weight status, female gender, experience of teasing, higher body dissatisfaction, higher figure-relevance, and higher depression scores were found to be predictive for higher WBI scores. Body dissatisfaction (only for girls) and the relevance of one’s own figure (both genders) mediated the association between self-esteem and WBI; no weight-related differences were observed.ConclusionsOur study offers longitudinal evidence for variables that enable the identification of children who are at risk for WBI. Thus, the findings deliver starting points for interventions aimed at the prevention of adverse health developments that come along with WBI.

The Relationships Between Motor Competence, Physical Activity, Fitness and Self-Concept in Children and Adolescents with DCD

Strong links exist in children and adolescents with high motor competence between physical activity level, physical fitness and self-concept. Are similar associations also evident for those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and do they vary with age or between genders? Low levels of physical activity and fitness have been identified in those with DCD, but self-concept was not considered in these studies. The picture is muddied by the many terms used to investigate the self. We identified that self-concept is not necessarily lower in those with DCD if they do not believe physical prowess is important. However, gender- and age-related differences were identified. For those with DCD, even though physical self-perceptions are low, their general self-concept is not necessarily diminished. By adolescence, broader sources of information are drawn upon to inform self-concept and unimportant influences disregarded. Future research should seek to understand these influences in order to better support the development of a healthy self-concept.

Impact of Social Context on the Self-Concept of Gay and Lesbian Youth: A Systematic Review

Abstract Objectives Self-concept distortion has been extensively linked with decreasing mental health in gay and lesbian youth. Social context has been proposed to have a moderating effect on the development of a healthy self-concept. However, no good quality review has approached these concepts with regards to LGBT youth. Methods A systematic review was conducted on the relationship between social context and self-concept in gay and lesbian youth. Twenty studies were included in the review. Results Quality assessment of papers yielded moderate methodological strength. Findings implied that social context has considerable influence on self-concept development. Discrepancies in assessment methods, areas of social context examined, and one-dimensional nature of examining self-concept interferes with drawing explicit conclusions regarding the relationship between social context and self-concept. Conclusion Positivity of social context is not conclusively relatable to positive self-concept development, and similarly, a negative context is not predetermining of self-concept distortions. Building on resilience factors of gay and lesbian youth, working together with families, and advancing and utilizing available educational and community resources should mitigate the strength of overt and covert heterosexism hindering healthy self-concept development. Further longitudinal and cross-cultural research will be necessary to provide insight into the mechanisms of associations.

Longitudinal Model Predicting Self-Concept in Pediatric Chronic Illness.

Although self-concept has been identified as salient to the psychosocial adjustment of adolescents dealing with a chronic illness (CI), little research has focused on its predictors it. Given that depression and parent-child attachment have been linked to self-concept in the population at large, the goal of this study was to evaluate these relationships longitudinally in a sample of adolescents with CI. Using participant data from the Mastering Each New Direction (MEND) program, a 3-month psychosocial, family based intensive outpatient program for adolescents with CI, we employed multilevel modeling to test longitudinal changes in self-concept, as predicted by depressive symptoms and parent-child attachment, in a sample of 50 youths (Mage =14.56, SDage =1.82) participating in MEND. Both "time spent in the program" and decreases in depressive symptoms were associated with increases in self-concept over time. Higher baseline levels of avoidant attachment to both mother and father were also associated with greater initial levels of self-concept. Targeting depressive symptoms and supporting adaptive changes in attachment may be key to promoting a healthy self-concept in pediatric CI populations. The association between avoidant attachment and higher baseline self-concept scores may reflect differences in participants' autonomy, self-confidence, or depression. Limitations of the study include variability in the amount of time spent in the program, attrition in final time point measures, and the inability to fully examine and model all potential covariates due to a small sample size (e.g. power).

Art Making and Identity Formation in Children and Adolescents with Differing Social Behaviors

ABSTRACTNot everyone develops social behaviors and interaction skills in an expected manner. This study explored the relationship between art making and identity formation in children and adolescents who were identified as having differing social behaviors. In three small group settings, 17 participants created abstract self-portraits from modeling compound and responded to questions about their self, self-concept, and self-esteem. From this, a model was created to describe identity formation as it relates to the relationships between social environment, desired occupations and activities, and creativity. Practice guidelines are proposed for those who provide children and adolescents with opportunities to make art as part of sessions aimed to promote the development of a healthy self-concept.

A Brief Evaluation to Identify Level of Satisfaction of Art Therapy with Undergraduate Ukrainian Students

A particular political and social mindset toward mental health support has impacted how and why people seek counseling and therapy in Ukraine. Although a relatively small and developing field, art therapy is beginning to provide a means for assisting cultural and identity development for young adult Ukrainians during a time of civil and political unrest. Cross culturally, art therapy has been found to assist young people in developing a healthy self-concept by providing them with a realistic and less defensive view of themselves and their environment. This paper evaluates the development of art therapy in Ukraine, and examines the practice of art therapy with undergraduate Ukrainian students. First, it details findings from a questionnaire with university students to determine their perception of art therapy. Analysis of these findings resulted in identifying their level of satisfaction toward art therapy, and common reasons why art therapy was sought. Second, the article provides a brief vignette to demonstrate how art therapy was used with undergraduate university students to assist with processing negative memories associated with living under the Soviet era. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion about how to tailor art therapy so that instead of being perceived as a cure it promotes self-care, thereby helping overcome the stigma associated with seeking therapeutic services.

Predictors of life satisfaction among Asian American adolescents- analysis of add health data.

Life satisfaction correlates with adolescent risk taking behavior and their outcomes in adulthood. Despite the fast rise in numbers of Asian adolescents in the U.S., the predictors of their life satisfaction are not well understood. This study examined the relationship between several demographic and contextual factors and global life satisfaction among this population. Data were derived from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a nationally representative probability sample of US adolescents. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to evaluate hypothesized predictors of global life satisfaction of Asian American adolescents. All analyses were conducted using STATA version 11. After exclusion of cases with missing values, 1021 Asian American adolescents were studied. Self- rated health, self-esteem, perceived neighborhood quality, parental support and peer support were significantly and positively related to better global life satisfaction. However, after controlling for other factors, only self-esteem (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.86-8.33) and perceived peer support (aOR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.33-5.76) significantly predicted higher life satisfaction. Peer support and adolescents’ self-concept are strongly correlated with Asian American adolescents’ subjective well-being. To promote the wellness of this population, culturally sensitive strategies in developing peer relationship and healthy self-concept may be effective. More studies are needed for subgroup comparison of various ethnicities among Asian American adolescents.

Examining key design decisions involved in developing a serious game for child sexual abuse prevention

This paper presents a case study of the key decisions made in the design of Orbit, a child sexual abuse prevention computer game targeted at school students between 8 and 10 years of age. Key decisions include providing supported delivery for the target age group, featuring adults in the program, not over-sanitizing game content, having a focus on building healthy self-concept of players, making the game engaging and relatable for all players and evaluating the program. This case study has implications for the design of Serious Games more generally, including that research should underpin game design decisions, game designers should consider ways of bridging the game to real life, the learning that arises from the game should go beyond rote-learning, designers should consider how the player can make the game-world their own and comprehensive evaluations of Serious Games should be undertaken.

Comparison of Ego Strength between Addicted and Non Addicted People from Karaj and Tehran Cities of Iran

A healthy ego-strength is connected to a healthy self-concept, one that is flexible, thus can look at a situation and see outcome of it, understand the difference between wants and needs, and practices acceptance to distinguish between what can and cannot be changed, to respond accordingly. The aim of this research was to compare the ego strength of addicted and non addicted people. The sample size of 200 men (100 addicts+ 100 non addicts) living in Karaj and Tehran cities of Islamic Republic of Iran that was selected through the availability sampling. To collect data, a 52-item BESS (Barron’s ego strength scale) questionnaire was used. The normal t-test was applied as statistics methods and for data analysis using SPSS software. Sig.-value of 0.0001 indicates that the difference between the addicted and healthy people is statistically significant. The high ego-strength scores of the healthy people indicate that they can defeat the difficulties. On the other hand, the low ego-strength scores of the addicted people indicate that they cannot overcome the problem correctly.

Using Structural Equation Modeling to Validate Online Game Players' Motivations Relative to Self-Concept and Life Adaptation

This study aimed to validate a systematic instrument to measure online players' motivations for playing online games (MPOG) and examine how the interplay of differential motivations impacts young gamers' self-concept and life adaptation. Confirmatory factor analysis determined that a hierarchical model with a two-factor structure of Social-engaging and Social-disengaging MPOG has better factorial validity than one-factor and two-factor models. The study found that individuals who play online games with Social-engaging MPOG are more likely to have a healthy self-concept and life adaptation, whereas players who have Social-disengaging MPOG have poorer self-concepts and experience a significant, negative, and indirect effect on life adaptation through their self-concept.

An Application of the Sidek Module Development in Rebt Counseling Intervention Module Design for Orphans

This article introduces Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Self-Concept for Adolescents (REBT-SC-A). The main objective of this REBT-SC-A is to assist orphans in Malaysia to develop a positive and healthy self-concept. The Sidek Module Development Model (SMDM) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy theory are applied as a guideline in developing REBT- SC-A. A validation stage was carried out by five expert counselors, and Cronbach alpha .80 was obtained. A group of orphans from aged 13 to 17 years was piloted to check the module's reliability and the Cronbach alpha .93 was obtained. Implications of the study are discussed later in the article.