Self-knowledge and Adolescence

AbstractIn this study, self-knowledge of 9th grade students was examined. The study sample consisted of 30 (15 girls and 15 boys) 9th grade students from middle socio-economic level. The schools and students involved in the research were selected randomly; however students that were known to have suffered traumas or psychological problems were excluded from the study in consultation with the class teachers and school guidance counselors. The materials used were therapeutic cards (Mythos cards, Habitat cards, Persona and Personita cards - the cards were approved for use by adolescents by five field specialists), white A4 papers and pastel paints. The students were then asked to choose cards and afterwards create drawings and explain their stories that they draw. The drawings were evaluated by the researcher. It was seen that the adolescents identify themselves by using their future professions (their dreams), associate important events in their lives with their own birth dates and educational lives, describe happiness as spending more time with friends,anger as being alone more frequently, studying and being directed by others, trust as families and unity/soliditary and insecurity as loneliness and hypocrisy