Effects of family structure on children's self-concepts

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Authors
Johnson, Melanie K.
Advisor
Hutchinson, Roger L.
Issue Date
1987
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of family structure (intact, stepparent, and single-parent) on children's self-concepts using Parish & Parish's Personal Attribute Inventory for Children (PAIC). A review of the literature indicated that there seemed to be a trend for children living in single-parent families and stepfamilies to have a lower self-concept when compared to children living in intact homes.Participants in the present study were one hundred ninety-nine (199) students in grades 7 through 12 attending Burris Laboratory School. All were given the PAIC and a demographic questionnaire during their usual class times. A 3 X 3 (family structure by grade level) and a 3 X 2 (family structure by sex) factorial design analysis of variance was computed utilizing the .05 level of confidence. Although a trend was noted for students from stepfamilies to check fewer positive adjectives on the PAIC, they did not differ significantly from the means of children from single-parent or intact families. Adjectives actually chosen by children in each of the three family structures were also identified in an attempt to determine the relationships between the adjectives checked and the family structure. sex, and grade level of the student.

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