Self-Construction and Interpersonal Distances of Juveniles Living in Residential Communities

Abstract

Within the framework of constructivism, and more specifically personal construct psychology, the current research aims at exploring self-construction and interpersonal relationships of juveniles living in residential communities. It proposes a method of doing so that is coherent with the framework adopted. Repertory grids were used with 59 youths, ages 9 to 20 years, and 176 significant others (father, mother, houseparent, and a teacher or employer); interpersonal distances were measured. Identification with others and an authority, perceived change, self and social acceptance, social negativity, self-fulfillment, commonality, and sociality led to the discrimination of different profiles that indicate different (inter)personal configurations.

Notes

1. Eight to 10 youths ages 6 to 18 years, of the same or mixed genders, live in each community together with five houseparents and a house worker. Each community has a psychologist and a social assistant as consultants.

2. An overview of these researches is presented by Shrauger and Schoeneman (1979) and a recent reflection on them by Harter (2000).