Global and multidimensional self-concept as a predictor of health practices in middle adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the relationship between global and multidimensional aspects of self-concept and the health practices of adolescents.


METHODS
A total of 195 adolescents, ages 14-17, who attended two Senior high schools within rural county in a Southeastern state completed research questionnaires.


RESULTS
The adolescents in this sample scored average or slightly above average for global self-concept on the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale. Adolescents scored lowest in the health-related behavior of time spent eating a balanced diet and highest in the area of safety. The single highest correlation between self-concept and self-care practices was between the total health practice score and global self-concept.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that an individual's knowledge, feelings of worth related to status at school, and level of anxiety and stress are important predictors of health behavior.
McCaleb
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D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires