The self-concept and interpersonal functioning of South African girls in child care : a suggested model

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This study aimed to create an elaborate model that can shed light on the intra- andinterpersonal functioning of middle childhood and early adolescent South African girls inchild care. Data used included: 1) measures of self-concept that was measured by TheBeck Youth Inventories: Self-concept inventory for Youths (Beck, Beck & Jolly, 2001), 2) aqualitative indication of perceived attachment towards a mother figure and 3) biographicaldata provided by the social workers associated with the children's homes that participatedin the study. Participants included 70 girls between the ages of 9 and 14, of which 35were assigned to the Children's Home Group. The Control Group comprised of the rest ofthe participants. Regression analysis, correlation measurement and the calculation of thesignificance of the differences between groups were used to test hypotheses. Resultsindicated that perceived attachment to a mother figure is a significant mediator of selfconcept,but that factors related to age seemed to have the most significant mediatingeffect during the developmental stages of middle childhood and early adolescence. Theresults were used to combine and elaborate on existing theories of intra- and interpersonalfunctioning in order to suggest a model that attempts to explain the functioning of SouthAfrican girls in child-care in more depth. Implications for these findings are discussed.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University