Multi-dimensional self-concept in junior high school students : issues of gender, intelligence and program effects

This study investigated levels of general, academic, and social self-concept in junior high school children. The effects of Gender, IQ and achievement level, as well as type of program were also considered in relation to self-concept.Subjects were 85 students in grades 7 and 8 attending a large comprehensive high school, 40 of whom participated in a specialized Talented and Gifted (TAG) program. The remaining 45 were drawn from the regular school population and constituted a comparison group. Measurements included the Piers-Harris Childrens' Self-Concept scale and the Otis-Lennon Mental Ability Test.Results indicated no significant differences between groups on measures of general or social self-concept. On measures of academic self-concept, TAG students scored significantly higher than students from the regular program. With regard to gender effects, no significant differences emerged between males and females on measures of self-concept. Finally, no significant differences were determined on measures of self-concept between TAG participants scoring higher on measures of IQ and achievement and those scoring lower. Educational implications and suggestions for future research are discussed