Self-perceptions Of Adolescents Research Articles

The effect of sport activity and gender differences on self-perception in adolescents

This study compared the effects of sport activities (volleyball) on self-perception and its relationship with education priority in adolescent's girls and boys. Subjects of this study were 85 school students (39 were members of volleyball team, 46 nonathletic) in Iran. To the criteria for selecting subjects were duration of training their membership in selected volleyball team and participation in sport competitions. Subjects fulfilled PMSPS self-perception questionnaire which examine self-perception in 3 aspects of him/her, parents and friends. Overall, the rresults showed that there was significant difference between self-perception scores in athlete and non athlete girls and boys. There is no significant correlation between self-perception and education priority.The findings of this study will benefit physical training, coaches and students.

Discrepancies Between Self- and Parent-Perceptions of Autistic Traits and Empathy in High Functioning Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum

Self-perception in high-functioning children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was examined by comparing parent- and self-reports on the Autism Spectrum, Empathy, and Systemizing Quotients (AQ, EQ and SQ). Participants were 20 youths with ASD and 22 typically developing controls. Both parents and participants in the ASD group reported more autistic traits (higher AQ) and less empathy (lower EQ) than the control group. SQ ratings did not differ between groups. Comparisons of self- and parent-reports indicated that youths with ASD reported significantly fewer autistic traits and more empathic features than their parents attributed to them. There were no discrepancies between parent- and self-reports in the control group. Implications regarding the use of self-report in ASD are discussed.

Physical self-perceptions of adolescents in Years 8, 9 and 10 in independent schools, state comprehensive schools and specialist sport colleges in England

Background: It is widely reported that adolescence is a critical period in the development of the self. Indeed many studies identify that physical self-perceptions formed at this period are able to determine engagement in and levels of physical activity. Although the investigation of physical self-perceptions in British adolescents has been undertaken in previous studies, a comparison of different school types, and differing learning environments that each affords, requires examination. Purpose: To investigate the physical self-perceptions of adolescents in order to identify if significant differences in levels of Global Self-Esteem (GSE), Physical Self-Worth (PSW) and their subordinate physical self-perceptions are apparent in these potentially different physical education environments. Participants and setting: Some 605 participants (327 male and 278 female pupils) aged 12–15 studying in Years 8, 9 and 10 at one independent school, two comprehensive schools and two specialist sports colleges in West Yorkshire, England. Intervention: Two questionnaires were administered to each participant: the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile (CY-PSPP) and the Children and Youth Perceived Importance Profile (CY-PIP). Research design: A cross-sectional, quantitative survey. Data collection and analysis: In order to ensure pupils had been exposed to the particular physical education learning environment for a period of time, data collection took place in the penultimate month of the school year. Questionnaires were administered during physical education (PE) and games lessons to keep disruption of other areas of their timetable to a minimum with the questionnaires administered by the lead author or by a trained member of the PE department. A three-way MANOVA was employed to determine gender/year group/school type interactions. Findings: Significant differences on SPORT, CONDITION, STRENGTH and PSW (p < 0.05) were reported. Males scored significantly higher than females on all physical self-perceptions and PSW (p < 0.05). There were year differences on all physical self-perceptions (p < 0.05). Males in independent and sports colleges scored significantly higher than males in the comprehensive schools on CONDITION, BODY, STRENGTH and PSW (p < 0.05). Females in state comprehensive schools also scored significantly higher than males in state comprehensive schools on CONDITION (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings tend to support the widely held view that the physical self-perceptions of males are significantly higher than females, although the picture becomes increasingly complex when school type effects are taken into account. Longitudinal studies from the year of entry to the different school environments are required to identify any possible causal relationships between school type and subsequent development of GSE, PSW and its sub-domains in adolescents. It is suggested that alternative, constructivist curriculum models may have a positive effect upon the physical self-perceptions and levels of engagement within adolescence; a greater understanding of such models is particularly pertinent in light of the current QCA Review.

The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Endurance, Strength, Function and Self-Perception in Adolescents with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Report of Three Case Studies

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in endurance, strength, function, and self-perception before, during, and after aerobic exercise intervention in three ambulatory adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy. Three individuals (17-20 years of age) with spastic cerebral palsy participated. An A1B1A2B2 design was employed. Data obtained during the different phases included energy expenditure index (EEI), lower extremity muscle strength using a handheld dynamometer, the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and the Self-Perception Profile for College Students (SPPCS). All participants had a significant improvement in at least one of the components of the EEI. Combined mean strength of quadriceps, hamstrings, and ankle plantarflexors and dorsiflexors increased bilaterally for all participants. Gross motor function improved for all participants in at least one phase of the study. The self-perception of appearance improved for all participants. Aerobic exercise may help increase strength of the lower extremity muscles, decrease energy required to ambulate, and improve gross motor function and self-perception for some adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy.

The relationship between dieting and body image, body ideal, self-perception, and body mass index in Turkish adolescents

The current study examined the roles of body image, ideal body weight, self-perception, and body mass index (BMI) on the dieting behavior of Turkish adolescents. The 531 subjects who participated in the study ranged from 15 to 17 years old and were recruited from five selected high schools in Ankara. They completed the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (SPPA), the Body Image Satisfaction Questionnaire (BISQ), and the Dieting Status Measure (DiSM). Height and weight were measured. Dieting adolescents received significantly lower scores than nondieters for most of the BISQ items and for the physical appearance and global self-worth subscales of the SPPA. A thinner body ideal, the physical appearance domain of self-concept, and low global self-worth were the predicting factors of frequent dieting. However, BMI and body image dissatisfaction were not predicting factors. The results indicate that a thinner body ideal, low self-worth, and low physical self-concept have more significant effects on body dissatisfaction and dieting than being actually overweight does. Furthermore, high physical self-concept scores and body satisfaction may not necessarily preclude having a thinner body ideal and, hence, dieting in girls.

Age and Gender Effects on Global Self-Esteem and Physical Self-Perception in Adolescents

This study measured the effects of gender, age and their interaction on global selfesteem and physical self-perceptions (physical self-worth, PSW; physical condition, PC; physical strength, PS; attractive body, AB; sport competence, SC) of French adolescents. Global self-esteem (GSE) and physical self-perceptions were measured by the Physical Self Inventory. Participants were 605 adolescents assigned to groups on the basis of gender (males vs females) and age (from 11 to 16 years). Significant age, gender and interaction differences in the ratings were analysed using a two-way MANOVA design. An age effect was found on the GSE, PSW and AB scales and a gender effect was found on GSE and all physical self-perception scales. We found no interaction (age gender) effect. We discuss the separate effects of gender and age on GSE and physical self-perceptions in adolescents, as well as the lack of interaction effect.

The relationship between self perception and adherence in adolescents and young adults

The relationship between self perception and adherence in adolescents and young adults

Educational differences in self-perceptions of adolescents in Northern Ireland

Self-perceptions of children from the integrated school sector in Northern Ireland were compared with those of children attending religiously segregated schools. In a cross-sectional study, the self-perceptions of 546 boys and girls aged 11–13 years and 14–15 years, at two integrated comprehensive and five segregated post-primary schools in Northern Ireland, were measured using the Self-Perception Profile for Children (Harter, 1985). The results of a School Type (2) Year Group (3) Gender (2) Religion (2) MANCOVA, controlling for social class and ethos of schools, demonstrated a significant main effect for school type, with significant univariate effects favouring those at the integrated schools in the domains of physical appearance ( p 5 .01), social acceptance ( p 5 .01) global self-worth ( p 5 .05), and athletic competence ( p 5 .05). No evidence of a School Type Year Group interaction suggests that these differences existed on entrance to the two types of school. A main effect for gender, favouring boys in physical appearance ( p 5 .001), athletic competence ( p 5 .05), and global self-worth ( p 5 .05), and girls on behavioural conduct ( p 5.001), supported previous studies. Meanwhile, a post hoc analysis on the only significant interaction effect, for School Type Religion, showed that Catholic adolescents from the integrated sector perceived themselves to be significantly more scholastically competent than those from the segregated sector ( p 5 .05). To further assess the development and stability of self-esteem among these adolescents, a long-term longitudinal study is indicated.

Perceptions and Attitudes of Adolescents with Asthma

Background. Psychosocial factors can limit one's ability to effectively manage asthma. This can result in asthma morbidity that limits quality of life. While self-perceptions of asthmatic children and parents have been studied, less is known about self-perceptions of inner-city adolescents with asthma. Objective. To examine perceptions and attitudes to treatment among inner-city adolescents with asthma. Design/Methods. We conducted a multistaged stratified sample survey at a high school located in the Bronx, NY. First, an asthma-screening survey was administered to 3800 registered students. Then, we identified a subset of 200 children with the most positive screening results for asthma. Next, a 32-item self-completion questionnaire was administered to this cohort. Students were surveyed regarding severity of asthma, perceptions and attitudes, and demographic information. Differences in proportions were tested by Chi-square analyses. Pearson rank-order correlation and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between perceptions and attitudes to self-treatment. Results. A total of 160 (80%) students participated. Mean age was 15.7 years. Of the respondents, 63% were female. 68% were Hispanic, 26% were African American. 33% had weekly symptoms, and 14% had daily symptoms. Additionally, 41% did not know the name of their asthma medicine. Only 38% reported bringing an “asthma pump” when leaving the house. While 70% reported feeling in control over their asthma symptoms, 63% reported feelings of anxiety and 39% could remember a time when they felt like they were going to die from asthma. Subjects who reported feeling in control over their asthma were more likely to take an asthma pump with them when leaving the house (r = 72, p = 0.004). Only 39% had disclosed their asthma to their friends, and 29% felt embarrassed about having an asthma attack in front of their friends. Subjects who felt embarrassed about their asthma were significantly less likely to take their asthma pumps with them (r = 0.98, p<0.001) and less likely to use their medications in front of their friends (r = .87, p<0.001). Conclusions. Adolescents in this study reported feelings of anxiety, fear, and embarrassment about their asthma. Feelings of control over asthma symptoms were associated with positive attitudes toward self-treatment, while embarrassment was correlated with negative attitudes. These findings have implications for counseling adolescents with asthma about self-management strategies.

Smoking Behaviour and Dietary Restraint in Young Adolescent Women: The Role of Physical Self-Perceptions

To investigate the relationship among BMI, smoking consumption, dietary restraint, smoking to control weight, physical self-perception and self-esteem in young female adolescents. 702 grade 9 students (14-15 yrs old) completed self-reported validated measures in classroom settings. 26.7% of students had smoked in the last 30 days. Cigarette consumption was low with only 13% smoking one or more cigarettes a day. MANOVA revealed smokers had higher dietary restraint and lower perceptions of physical appearance, conditioning, and self-esteem. A similar pattern emerged for those girls classified as using smoking to control weight. Multiple regression found dietary restraint was predicted by higher BMI, and lower body appearance and self-esteem. The data provided converging evidence that girls with low self-perceptions are more likely to engage in health-compromising behaviours. Smoking behaviours and dietary restraint were also linked. However, the small effect sizes for smoking behaviours warrants caution.

ATHLETIC IDENTITY AMONG 8TH-GRADE ADOLESCENTS

Research among adults has shown that athletic self-perceptions are plausible determinants of physical activity (PA). Little is known, however, about the self-perceptions of children or adolescents and their relation to PA. This study examined self-generated definitions of being “athletic”, self-ratings, conception of ability, and PA among 91 adolescents (mean age = 13.7 yrs; 55 girls, 36 boys; 63% White, 22% Hispanic, 8% Black, 7% Other). Responses indicated that the meaning given to the word “athletic” was primarily being physically active (freq = 87%, e.g., participating in several types of PAs/sports, exercising, working out, not sitting), followed by effort (freq = 32%, e.g., time commitment, trying hard), ability (freq = 29%, e.g., good at sports/PA), positive affect (freq = 28%, e.g., like PA/sports, positive attitude), and physical appearance (freq = 11%, e.g., in shape, not fat). Girls' definitions were not statistically different from boys, except girls were more likely to mention effort-related words more than boys (p = .015, OR = 3.59). Non-whites mentioned appearance-related words more than whites (p = .033, OR = 4.8), but there were no other ethnic differences. Girls' self-ratings on being athletic were lower than boys (p = .003), but there were no significant ethnic effects or gender interactions. No gender or ethnic differences were found on certainty of self-ratings or on conception of ability: all students were highly certain of their athletic standing (M = 4.4/5) and felt a person could become more athletic with effort and practice (M = 4.6/5). Self-ratings on athletic standing predicted bouts of vigorous PA over the last 7 days (p = .004, > 6 METS), total number of PAs (p = .032) and organized team participation (p < .0001) over the past year, as well as total moderate MET Min/past yr (p = .025, 3–6 METS). These findings suggest that athletic self-perceptions are important influences on PA in adolescents. Supported by Cancer Research Foundation of America.

Developmental Aspects of Psychological Defenses: Their Relation to Self-Complexity, Self-Perception, and Symptomatology in Adolescents

This study investigated developmental aspects of psychological defenses in relation to self-complexity, self-perception, and symptomatology through a comparison of two groups of adolescents characterized by defense maturity level (i.e., immature versus mature defenses). The Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-78), the Self-Complexity Inventory (SCI), the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, and the Youth Self Report behavior checklist (YSR) were completed by 79 high school students ranging in age from 15 to 18 years. Subjects were characterized as either employing predominantly mature or immature defensive strategies based on median splits of the two defense factors. Dependent variables included the Self-Complexity Inventory, The Youth Self Report and the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents. The mature defense group (N = 26) reported significantly higher self-complexity than the immature defense group (N = 26), supporting a developmental approach to defense mechanisms. In general, mature defense mechanisms seem to be more adaptive in late adolescence than immature defenses as indicated by higher global self-worth and fewer internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The findings lend support to the developmental approach to the self and highlight the importance of examining psychological indices of development independent of chronological age.

Self-Perception, Social Skills, Adjustment, and Inhibition in Young Adolescents with Craniofacial Anomalies

Self-Perception, Social Skills, Adjustment, and Inhibition in Young Adolescents with Craniofacial Anomalies

Self-perception, social skills, adjustment, and inhibition in young adolescents with craniofacial anomalies.

This study examines the relationships between self-perception, social skills, overall adjustment, and social inhibition in 45 young adolescents with craniofacial anomalies (CFA). Self-perception, social skills, and inhibition scores are within the normal range while the average adjustment is 1.5 SD below the average. Regression analyses were conducted. Social skills and athletic competence are the best predictors of adjustment and accounted for 73.5% of the variance in adjustment. Adjustment of adolescents is associated with degree of inhibition, with more poorly adjusted adolescents displaying greater inhibition. Self-esteem did not predict to adjustment. The theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Viewing “older people”: A comparative method-comparative sample approach

Abstract Two studies assessing perceptions of “older people” are reported. Study I compared self-perceptions of middle-class adolescents, young adults, middle-aged and older respondents on predefined personality dimensions with their perceptions of “older people”. On 6 of the 10 dimensions, the aged were perceived as different from the respondents' self-perceptions and invariably in less desirable terms. Study II used an open-ended method asking samples of university students and trainee nurses to list the five most typical characteristics of ”old people”. The results basically supported the findings of the first study. The majority of characteristics attributed to the aged were negative, and most of these seemed related to a biologically-based decline model.