TEST 1- SELF-CONCEPT
Problem: To study the level of Self-concept of a class 12th student.
INTRODUCTION
Self-concept is the dominant element in personality development. Psychologists viewed that the
‘core’ of center of gravity of the personality pattern is individuals’’ concept of him/herself as a
person as related to the world in which he/she lives. The structure of the self-image determines
the day-to-day behavior of the individual. Decisions and reactions are determined, not by what
one is, but by what one believes he/she is, how others perceive him/her and what he/she aspires
to be.
Self-concept has been referred by Lowe as ‘One’s attitude towards self’ and by Pederson as
‘Organized configuration of perceptions of self.’
Perkins referred to it as ‘Those perceptions, beliefs, feelings, attitudes and values which the
individual views as part of characteristics of him/her self’. Kinch describes Self-concept as ‘The
organization of qualities the individual has about him/her’.
In broad terms self-concept can be defined as persons perception of him/herself. The perceptions
are formed through his/her experience with his/her environment, and would be influenced by the
environment, and significant others.
Saraswat and Gaur (1981) described self-concept as ‘Individual’s way of looking at himself
which signifies his ways of thinking, feeling and behaving’.
James was the first one to suggest that the person has many selves that is real self, ideal self and
social self.
Real self-concept is the person’s concept of himself that is what he or she really is. It includes
his or her perception of appearance, recognition abilities, role and status in life, strength, values,
beliefs and other psychological traits.
Ideal self-concept is made up of perceptions of what a person aspires to be and what he believes
he ought to be. It may be related to physical self-image and psychological self-image or both. It
may be realistic in the sense that it may be within the reach of the person, or it may be so
unrealistic that it can never be reached in real life. Almost everyone has an ideal self-concept. If
the real self-concept dominates, the ideal self-concept is likely to be more realistic because the
real self-concept is found to be more representative of one’s capacities and abilities.
Social self-concept is based on the way an individual believes that how others perceive him. It is
developed earlier than the real self-concept. Individuals’ develop different social self-concepts,
depending upon the kind of social groups, home, peers and community.
METHODOLOGY
1. Details of the Participant
NAME:
AGE:
GENDER:
CLASS:
2. Material Required
a) Self-concept Rating Scale Manual
b) Self-concept Questionnaire
c) Pen, pencil, Eraser, Rough sheet
3. Description of Self-concept Rating Scale
The checklist contains 57 personality traits based on dimensions, such as; physical, power,
ability, social, and psychological characteristics. The responses are to be given on three
points rating scale i.e., low, average and high for each trait and under each self-concept i.e.,
real, ideal and social.
Power self-concept: individuals’ perception of their physical strength, health and vitality.
Social self-concept: individuals’ view of their social ability and interaction with others.
Ability self-concept: individuals’ view of their intelligence and confidence.
Physical self-concept: individuals’ view of their physical appearance.
Psychological self-concept: individuals’ perception towards his or her traits, feelings and
values.
4. Standardization of Rating Scale
The checklist is validated on students of Class XI and onwards. It can be used on
adolescents as well as on adults.
Validity
Content and construct validity was established on the basis of the judgement by experts in
the area of psychology, guidance and counseling.
Reliability
Test-retest reliability of the checklist was found to be 0.83.
5. Precautions
a. Optimal conditions for testing were ensured before the test begun
b. Time of start and finish were noted
c. If the subject got stuck on a question, then they should move to the next question.
d. The tester should ensure that no question is left unanswered
6. Rapport formation
Rapport was established between the subject and the tester, prior to the test so that he/she
could feel comfortable and at ease. In such a state, she/he should answer the questions in a
calm manner and any doubts should be cleared before starting the test.
7. Instructions
“I am student of Class 12 of APS LBS Marg. As a part of my Psychology practical work,
I have to conduct a test of Self-concept. Are you willing to participate ‘Yes/No’?”
The following instructions were given:
a. Every individual has some unique personality traits which distinguish him/her from
others. On the following pages some of these personality traits are enlisted which would
describe your Self-concept in three different forms, i.e, Low, Average and High.
b. Read each trait carefully and put a tick mark (✓) on one of the three responses.
i) Tick on 1 if your response is Low
ii) Tick on 2 if your response is Average
iii) Tick on 3 if your response is High, according to your feelings; with reference to :-
Real Self-concept: The traits which describe the type of person you think you are.
Ideal Self-concept: The traits which describe the type of person, you aspire to be.
Social Self-concept: The traits which describe the type of person, you think, the others
think you are.
c. None of the responses are right or wrong. This can be completed within 30minutes.
d. Your responses will be kept confidential. Therefore, give your responses without
hesitation.
8. Administration
After the instructions were given, the subject was asked to fill in the necessary details. The
tester ensured that the instructions were clear and understood.
9. Introspective Report
The subject wrote “…………….” [Leave 2-3 lines]
10. Scoring Procedure
The scoring is done on the basis of the three digits i.e., 1,2,3 that are assigned to Low,
Average and High Self-concept respectively.
As all the traits selected in the checklist are positive in nature therefore the sum of all the
57 items will give the total self-concept on the three doensions i.e., Real, Ideal and Social
Self-concepts.
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
Table No.1 Showing the subject’s range and Scores on Self-Concept Rating Scale
[Link]. Self-concept Score Range
1 Real
2 Ideal
3 Social
From the above table it can be inferred that the subject has
Table No.2 Showing the Sbject’s scores and range of Real Self- Concept on the 5
dimensions
[Link]. Dimension Score Range
1 Power Self-concept
2 Social Self-concept
3 Ability Self-concept
4 Physical Self-concept
5 Psychological Self-concept
From the above table it can be inferred that the subject has
DISCUSSION
Self-concept is defined as “the totality of our beliefs, preferences, opinions and attitudes
organized in a systematic manner towards our personal existence. It is how we think of
ourselves.”
The characteristic of people with High Self-Concept:
1. They believe in themselves
2. They know what they want or need.
3. They have effective communication skills.
4. They drive to succeed.
5. They are comfortable with change.
6. They are goal-oriented.
The characteristics of people with Low Self-Concept:
1. They have poor confidence.
2. They often involve on negative social comparison.
3. They lack in control.
4. They often worry and have self-doubt.
5. They have fear of failure.
6. They often try to please others.
Skills to enhance Self-concept
1. Be nice to yourself.
2. Remember, nobody’s perfect.
3. Remember that everyone makes mistakes.
4. Focus on what you can change.
5. Celebrate the small stuff.
6. Surround yourself with a supportive squad.