Dimensions and profiles of the generalized health-related self-concept.
OBJECTIVE
We explore the significance of health as a potentially self-relevant category from the perspective of dynamic self-concept theory. Our intention was to describe the dimensional structure of the generalized health-related self-concept, to identify particular prototypes of health-related self-definition, and to see if these prototypes would differ with respect to appraisals of health behaviour and subjective health.


METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study involving 545 college students (23.3% male) at the mean age of 22 years.


METHODS
The self-administered questionnaire assessed a relevant spectrum of health-related cognitions denoting their generalized declarative knowledge about their health (the generalized health-related self-concept). Additionally, participants rated their multiple health behaviour, their perceived health, and their anticipated vulnerability.


RESULTS
A principal components analysis of the health-related cognitions revealed the following five dimensions: health-protective dispositions, health-protective motivation, vulnerability, health-risky habits, and external, avoidant motivation. A two-step cluster analysis of the five components identified six profiles of health-related self-concept: careless/carefree, omnipotents, risk-takers, mentally affected, reluctant-avoidant, and medically fragile. These prototypes could be successfully reclassified (97.6%). The six profiles differed with respect to their health behaviour and subjective health appraisals.


CONCLUSIONS
The dimensional structure represents both resources and deficits with respect to an individual's health-related self-concept. An individual's profile of these dimensions might correspond to a characteristic set of particular health needs and motivations. Successful health communications should follow a complementary strategy of affirming the self-concept.
Wiesmann
Ulrich
U
Institute for Medical Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany. wiesmann@uni-greifswald.de
Niehörster
Gabriele
G
Hannich
Hans-Joachim
HJ
Hartmann
Ute
U
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D015438:Health Behavior; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult