The Educational Structure and the Self-Image of Jamaican Adolescents

Abstract

The Offer Self-image Questionnaire was used to assess the self-image of 141 Jamaican adolescents attending three types of secondary (High, Technical, and New Secondary) schools in Jamaica. Owing to the different status given each type of school, differences among students' self-perceptions were hypothesized as a function of the type of secondary school they attended. Analysis showed significant differences on dimensions of the self-image of Jamaican adolescents relative to the hierarchical status afforded their respective schools. Adolescents attending the more prestigious (High) schools scored significantly better than peers from the less prestigious Technical and New Secondary schools on eight self-image dimensions of impulse control, emotional tone, social relationships, morals, sexual attitudes, vocational and educational goals, emotional health, and superior adjustment. Students from Technical schools had significantly better adjustment scores than New Secondary students on social relationships, sexual attitudes, and emotional health. Results are discussed with regard to the Jamaican cultural, educational and economic setting. International implications are noted.