Abstract

This study investigated gender differences in the level of self-concept and identified predictors affecting self-concept in Korean middle school students. The sample of this study included 920 male and 968 female middle school students in Busan. Subjects completed self-report questionnaire during in-person study visits. Six 4-point Likert scales, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree), were used to measure self-concept and its seven related-factors. Scheffe's test, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression were used to analyze the data. The degree of self-concept was higher in males than females. Age, economic status, education of parents, academic ranking, running away, invalid school absences, getting into fights, and suicidal attempts showed significant differences in both male and female self-concept. However, self-concept was not significantly different in terms of students' religion and sexual experience in both genders. Predictors of self-concept in both genders were family satisfaction, social support (peer and teacher), school adjustment, and school achievement. However, parental acceptance was significantly associated with female self-concept only. The findings of this study suggest the importance of learning gender-specific predictors affecting adolescent self-concept. Developing and implementing appropriate and effective gender-specific programs is critical to promote high self-concept for today's youth. (Korean J Str Res 2012;20:87∼95)

• Keywords: Adolescence, Self-concept, Sex difference, Mental health;