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Differentiating Among Delinquent, At-Risk, and Not At-Risk Adolescents Using a Multidimensional Model of Self-Concept

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 February 2016

Tania Marie Bianco ,
Stephen Houghton ,
Davina French  and
Miguel Fernandez
Tania Marie Bianco*
Affiliation:
Mercedes College WA
Stephen Houghton
Affiliation:
Mercedes College WA
Davina French
Affiliation:
Mercedes College WA
Miguel Fernandez
Affiliation:
Mercedes College WA
*
Mercedes College, Victoria Square, PERTH WA 6000
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Abstract

This exploratory study sought to differentiate 24 delinquent, 30 at-risk and 30 not at-risk adolescent males according to a multidimensional model of self-concept. Participants completed the Song and Hattie Test of Self-Concept (1992), which consists of seven dimensions of self-concept; namely, achievement self-concept, ability self-concept, classroom self-concept, family self-concept, peer self-concept, physical self-concept and confidence in self.

Significant differences between the not at-risk, at-risk and delinquent groups were found across six of the seven dimensions of self-concept. Implications of these findings suggest an effective procedure for differentiating between not at-risk and at-risk youth within the school context, prior to involvement with the Juvenile Justice system. The implications for intervention are discussed.

Type
Research papers
Information
Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools , Volume 10 , Issue 1 , November 2000 , pp. 69 - 80
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

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