Exploring the Self-Concept of the South African Adolescent Male Suffering from Tourette's Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is regarded as a lifelong spectrum syndrome which is found world wide, across all geographical, ethnic and cultural barriers, and which is more prevalent amongst males. The Afrikaner population of South Africa, however, with its relatively small genetic pool, provide interesting research findings. This genetic disorder disturbs the chemical balance in the brain, causing primary motor and vocal tics, as well as secondary associated problems, affecting the personality, especially the self-concept. The aim of the study was primarily to determine whether the self-concept of the adolescent male TS-sufferer differs from that of the adolescent male who does not suffer from TS. The findings suggest significant self-concept differences between the adolescent male who suffers from TS and the adolescent male who does not suffer from TS, regarding his non-academic self-concept, academic self-concept and global self-concept. On the basis of these findings, conclusions were arrived at, implications were spelt out and recommendations were made regarding the self-concept of the adolescent male TS sufferer.