Development of the self-concept during adolescence in Jordan

• Main Author: Shreim, Ragda Hikmat
• Published: University College London (University of London) 1990
• Subjects: 150; Child development
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.282393

The developmental aspect of the self-concept has not been investigated in Jordan. The main aim of this study is to develop a research project which will yield first results and indicate further research to be carried out in the future. Theories and studies of the self-concept during adolescence particularly in W. Europe and the U.S.A. indicate the occurence of various developments, but do not entirely agree as to their nature. This may be in part due to different conceptualizations of the selfconcept, or to different reArch methods. This thesis explores this question and developS an empirical study in the light of such considerations. The main interest of this study is to explore the development of the self concept during adolescence in Jordan. Two open ended questionnaires were designed to achieve this purpose. Random sampling of students [225 males, 200 females] at the ages of 13, 15, and 17 years provided the adolescents for this study. Their reported present possible selves and possible future occupational selves were studied at each age level. At all levels sex differences were investigated. For 17 years olds differences between teaching groups were also explored. Sex differences in approach to education and vocation were considered in the analysis. 2 Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the responses of the selfconcept descriptions mentioned by the students show certain differences in relation to the age, sex, and teaching groups. The findings are discussed in relation to the concept of unitary or multiple self-concept, attention being given to the salience of different aspects of the self in different contexts. Suggestions are made for follow-up investigations.