Structure and Correlates of Self-Concept in Lebanon

Abstract

This study investigated the structure of self-concept in Lebanon using an Arabic adaptation of the Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ-I). Using a sample of 392 early and late adolescents, the study examined (a) the reliability of the scale, (b) gender, age, and socioeconomic (SE) differences in self-concept, (c) the extent to which self-concept becomes differentiated with age, is multidimensional, and hierarchical, and (d) mean score responses of Lebanese as compared to those obtained by cross-cultural investigations. Factor analyses supported both an underlying general self-concept factor and a multidimensional hierarchical structure. SDQ-I reliabilities were similar to those reported in the literature, whereas gender, age, and SE differences were in partial agreement. Cross-cultural comparisons revealed some findings peculiar to the Lebanese-Arab culture. Interpretations were provided for the discrepancies.