Abstract

PEIXOTO, Francisco  and  ALMEIDA, Leandro S.. Self-concept organization: analysis of hierarchical structure in adolescents. Psicol. Reflex. Crit. [online]. 2011, vol.24, n.3, pp. 533-541. ISSN 0102-7972.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-79722011000300014.

The main goal of this research is to analyze the hierarchical structure of self-concept in adolescents and, additionally, to compare this structure in students who have failed in their academic career and in those who have not. Nine hundred and forty-three Portuguese students from the 7^th, 9^th and 11^th grades participated in the research. They completed self-concept and self-esteem scales. Results support the assertion that self-concept is hierarchically structured, and also support a model that subdivides self-concept into four higher order factors. Results also suggest an association between the behavioral dimension and various different higher order dimensions, namely, the two academic self-concept dimensions and the social self-concept one. However, they show divergences when the structure of self-concept between achievers and underachievers is compared. This aspect needs to be examined with greater attention on future researches and interventions.

Keywords : Self-concept; Adolescents; Hierarchical Structure.