Cross-Cultural Study of the Structure and Level of Multidimensional Self-Concepts in Secondary School Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare responses to the Self-Description Inventory (SDI) by black and white adolescent boys and girls. Data were collected from 1128 adolescents attending four co-educational high schools in Cape Town, South Africa. Separate factor analyses of responses by black and white adolescents all clearly identified the eight SDI factors. The results indicated that black adolescents scored significantly higher than their white counterparts in global self-concept, general school, physical appearance and music ability self-concepts; while for the physical abilities and emotional stability self-concepts the direction was reversed. Boys scored significantly higher than girls in global self-concept, relations with family, physical abilities, physical appearance, music ability and health selfconcepts; while for the general school and emotional stability self-concepts the direction was reversed.