Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Psychosocial Well-being of Children and Adolescents in Latin America pp 319–339Cite as

Intervention on Self-Concept: A Path to Promoting Subjective Wellbeing

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

  • 533 Accesses

Part of the book series: Children’s Well-Being: Indicators and Research ((CHIR,volume 16))

Abstract

This chapter presents an intervention with children aiming to promote wellbeing through reflection on self-concept and purpose in life. A total of 100 participants aged 10–14 years old from two public schools in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) participated in this study. The intervention was carried out based on different activities that had specific objectives, such as promoting self-concept in the physical, social, family and academic dimensions and stimulating reflection on purpose in life. In order to evaluate the intervention, qualitative and quantitative strategies were used, such as field diary, notes taken during the activities and an assessment questionnaire, answered at three time points: before the intervention (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test) and 30 days after the intervention (follow-up). The qualitative results show that the participants had difficulty recognizing and reflecting on their physical characteristics. Nevertheless, the objectives of promoting self-concept in their social, family and academic dimensions, and stimulating reflection on purpose in life were achieved. From a quantitative point of view, the difference in the averages of the items that assessed self-concept at the three time points was not significant. Difference in differences regression pointed out that the average of self-concept of the School 1 participants is statistically higher than those of School 2. The impact of the intervention, although not significant, indicated increased average of self-concept after the intervention. This suggests that intervening on specific dimensions of self-concept may be good action strategy on the topic.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Arpini, D. M., & Quintana, A. M. (2003). Identidade, família e relações sociais em adolescentes de grupos populares. Revista Estudos de Psicologia, 20(1), 27–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandeira, C. M., Natividade, J. C., & Giacomoni, C. H. (2015). As relações de otimismo e bem-estar subjetivo entre pais e filhos. Psico-USF, 20(2), 249–257. doi:10.1590/1413-82712015200206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bardin, L. (1977). Análise de Conteúdo. Edição revista e ampliada. Lisbon, Portugal: Edições 70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baumeister, R. F., Campbell, J. D., Krueger, J. I., & Vohs, K. D. (2003). Does high self-esteem cause better performance, interpersonal success, happiness, or healthier lifestyles? Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 4(1), 1–44. doi:10.1111/1529-1006.01431.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baumeister, R. F., & Vohs, K. D. (2009). The pursuit of meaningfulness in life. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), The handbook of positive psychology (2nd ed., pp. 608–618). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Birkeland, M. S., Melkevik, O., Holsen, I., & Wold, B. (2012). Trajectories of global self-esteem development during adolescence. Journal of Adolescence, 35, 43–54. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.06.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boden, J. M., Fergusson, D. M., & Horwood, L. J. (2008). Does adolescent self-esteem predict later life outcomes? A test of the causal role of self-esteem. Development and Psychopathology, 20, 319–339. doi:10.1017/S0954579408000151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borges, A., Matos, M. G., & Diniz, J. A. (2013). Body image and subjective well-being in portuguese adolescents. Spanish Journal of Psychology, 16, 1–12. doi:10.1017/sjp.2013.24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bragado, C., Hernández-Lloreda, M. J., Sanchez-Bernardos, M. L., & Urbano, S. (2008). Autoconcepto físico, ansiedad, depresión y autoestima en niños con cáncer y niños sanos sin historia de cáncer. Psicothema, 20(3), 413–419.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C., Hill, P. L., Lapsley, D. K., Talib, T. L., & Finch, H. (2009). Purpose, hope, and life satisfaction in three age groups. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 4(6), 500–510. doi:10.1080/17439760903271439.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brunborg, G. S. (2008). Core self-evaluations: A predictor variable for job stress. European Psychologist, 13, 96–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang, L., McBride-Chang, C., Stewart, S. M., & Au, E. (2003). Life satisfaction, self-concept, and family relations in Chinese adolescents and children. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 27(2), 182–189. doi:10.1080/01650250244000182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, S., Boucher, H. C., & Tapias, M. P. (2006). The relational self revealed: Integrative conceptualization and implications for interpersonal life. Psychological Bulletin, 132(2), 151–179. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.132.2.151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng, H., & Furnham, J. (2003). Personality, self-esteem, and demographic predictions of happiness and depression. Personality and Individual Differences, 34(6), 921–942. doi:10.1016/S0191-8869(02)00078-8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chui, W. H., & Wong, M. Y. H. (2016). Gender differences in happiness and life satisfaction among adolescents in Hong Kong: Relationships and self-concept. Social Indicators Research, 125, 1035–1051. doi:10.1007/s11205-015-0867-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cia, F., & Barham, E. J. (2008). Estabelecendo relação entre autoconceito e desempenho acadêmico de crianças escolares. Psico, 39(1), 21–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crede, J., Wirthwein, L., McElvany, N., & Steinmayr, R. (2015). Adolescents’ academic achievement and life satisfaction: The role of parents’ education. Frontiers in Psychology, 6(52), 1–8. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00052.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunstan, L., & Nieuwoudt, J. (1994). The relationship between indexes of childhood friendship and biographical, personality and behavioral variables. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 155(3), 303–312.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Faria, L., & Fontaine, A. M. (1990). Avaliação do conceito de si próprio de adolescentes: adaptação do SDQ I de Marsh à população portuguesa. Cadernos de Consulta Psicológica, 6, 97–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferreira, B. W. (2003a). Adolescência: caracterização e etapas do desenvolvimento. In B. W. Ferreira, B. E. Ries, B. S. Santos, E. W. Rodrigues, J. La Rosa, & L. Zanella (Orgs.), Psicologia e educação: Desenvolvimento humano - adolescência e vida adulta (pp. 15–20). Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul: EDIPUCRS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferreira, B. W. (2003b). Abordagens teóricas sobre a adolescência: Arminda Aberastury e Maurício Knobel. In B. W. Ferreira, B. E. Ries, B. S. Santos, E. W. Rodrigues, J. La Rosa, & L. Zanella (Orgs.), Psicologia e educação: desenvolvimento humano - adolescência e vida adulta (pp. 21–34). Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul: EDIPUCRS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frizzo, K. R. (2008). Diário de campo. In E. Saforcada & J. C. Sarriera (Eds.), Enfoques conceptuales y técnicos en psicología comunitaria (pp. 165–172). Buenos Aires, Argentina: Paidós.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garaigordobil, M., Pérez, J. I., & Mozaz, M. (2008). Self-concept, self-esteem and psychopathological symptoms. Psicothema, 20(1), 114–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gonçalves, C. S., Wolff, J. R., & Almeida, W. C. (1988). Lições de psicodrama: introdução ao pensamento de J. L. Moreno. São Paulo, Brazil: Ágora.

    Google Scholar 

  • González-Pienda, J. A., Núñez, J. C., González, S., Álvarez, L., Roces, C., García, M., ... Valle, E. (2000). Autoconcepto, proceso de atribución causal y metas académicas en niños con y sin dificultaes de aprendizaje. Psicothema, 12(4), 548–556.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray, R. S., Chamratrithirong, A., Pattaravanich, U., & Prasartkul, P. (2013). Happiness among adolescents students in Thailand: Family and non-family factors. Social Indicators Research, 110(2), 703–719.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guay, F., Marsh, H. W., & Boivin, M. (2003). Academic self-concept and academic achievement: Developmental perspectives on their causal ordering. Journal of Educational Psychology, 95(1), 124–136. doi:10.1037/0022-0663.95.1.124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haraldstad, K., Christophersen, K. A., Eide, H., Nativg, G. K., & Helseth, S. (2011). Predictors of health-related quality of life in a sample of children and adolescents: A school survey. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 20(21–22), 3048–3056. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03693.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, X., Kosher, H., Ben-Arieh, A., & Huebner, E. S. (2014). Children’s rights, school psychology, and well-being assessments. Social Indicators Research, 117, 179–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leflot, G., Onghena, P., & Colpin, H. (2010). Teacher–child interactions: Relations with children’s self-concept in second grade. Infant and Child Development, 19, 385–405. doi:10.1002/icd.672.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lv, B., Zhou, H., Guo, X., Liu, C., Liu, Z., & Luo, L. (2016). The relationship between academic achievement and the emotional well-being of elementary school children in China: The moderating role of parent-school communication. Frontiers in Psychology, 7(948), 1–9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00948.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martins, D. F., Nunes, M. F. O., & Noronha, A. P. P. (2008). Satisfação com a imagem corporal e autoconceito em adolescentes. Psicologia: Teoria e Prática, 10(2), 94–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKnight, P. E., & Kashdan, T. B. (2009). Purpose in life as a system that creates and sustains health and well-being: an integrative, testable theory. Review of General Psychology, 13(3), 242–251. doi:10.1037/a0017152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moksnes, U. K., & Espnes, G. A. (2013). Self-esteem and life satisfaction in adolescents – gender and age as potential moderators. Quality of Life Research, 22, 2921–2928. doi:10.1007/s11136-013-0427-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nevin, S., Carr, A., Shevlin, M., Dooley, B., & Breaden, C. (2005). Factors related to well-being in Irish adolescents. The Irish Journal of Psychology, 26(3–4), 123–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nunes, C., Hernando, A., Lemos, I., Ayala-Nunes, L., Oliva, C. R., & Coronado, C. M. (2016). Quality of life of Portuguese and Spanish adolescents: A comparative study between natives and immigrants. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 21(4), 1137–1144. doi:10.1590/1413-81232015214.09992015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Mara, A. J., Marsh, H. W., Craven, R. G., & Debus, R. L. (2006). Do self-concept interventions make a difference? A synergistic blend of construct validation and meta-analysis. Educational Psychologist, 41(3), 181–206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Orth, U., Robins, R. W., & Widaman, K. F. (2012). Life-span development of self-esteem and its effects on important life outcomes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 102(6), 1271–1288. doi:10.1037/a0025558.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peixoto, F. (2004). Qualidade das relações familiares, auto-estima, autoconceito e rendimento acadêmico. Análise Psicológica, 1(XXII), 235–244.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, M. (2012). They are there for you: The importance of neighborhoods friends to children well-being. Children’s Indicators Research, 5(3), 483–502.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarriera, J. C., Casas, F., Bedin, L. M., Abs, D., Santos, B. R., Borges, F. C., Malo, S., González, M. (2015). Propriedades psicométricas da Escala de Autoconceito Multidimensional em adolescentes brasileiros. Avaliação Psicológica, 14(2), 281–290. doi: 10.15689/ap.2015.1402.13.

  • Sarriera, J. C., Paradiso, A. C., Abs, D., Soares, D. H. P., Silva, C. L., & Fiuza, P. J. (2013). O bem-estar pessoal dos adolescentes através do seu tempo livre. Estudos de Psicologia, 18, 285–295.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sastre, M. T. M., & Ferrière, G. (2000). Family “decline” and the subjective well-being of adolescentes. Social Indicators Research, 49, 69–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shavelson, R. J., Hubner, J. J., & Stanton, G. C. (1976). Self-concept: validation of construct interpretations. Review of Educational Research, 46(3), 407–441.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Song, I. S., & Hattie, J. (1985). Relationships between self-concept and achievement. Journal of Research in Personality, 19, 365–372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suldo, S. M., Shaffer, E. J., & Riley, K. N. (2008). A social-cognitive-behavioral model of academic predictors of adolescents’ life satisfaction. School Psychology Quarterly, 23(1), 56–69. doi:10.1037/1045-3830.23.1.56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Terry, T., & Huebner, E. S. (1995). The relationship between self-concept and life satisfaction in children. Social Indicators Research, 35, 39–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tian, L., Zhao, J., & Huebner, E. S. (2015). School-related social support and subjective well-being in school among adolescents: The role of self-system factors. Journal of Adolescence, 45, 138–158. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2015.09.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tomé, G., Camacho, I., Matos, M. G., & Simões, C. (2015). Influência da família e amigos no bem-estar e comportamento de risco - modelo explicativo. Psicologia, Saúde & Doenças, 16(1), 23-34. doi: 10.15309/15psd160104.

  • Zeidner, M., & Olnick-Shemesh, D. (2010). Emotional intelligence and subjective well-being revisited. Personality and Individual Differences, 48, 431–435. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2009.11.011.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, T., Wu, D., & Lin, L. (2012). On the intermediary function of coping styles: between self-concept and subjective well being of adolescents of Han, Qiang and Yi nationalities. Psychology, 3(2), 136–142. doi:10.4236/psych.2012.32021.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Developmental and Personality Psychology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil

    Cristina da Silva Hasse & Ângela Carina Paradiso

Authors
  1. Cristina da Silva Hasse
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ângela Carina Paradiso
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cristina da Silva Hasse .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Developmental and Personality Psychology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil

    Jorge Castellá Sarriera

  2. Department of Developmental and Personality Psychology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil

    Lívia Maria Bedin

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

da Silva Hasse, C., Paradiso, Â.C. (2017). Intervention on Self-Concept: A Path to Promoting Subjective Wellbeing. In: Sarriera, J., Bedin, L. (eds) Psychosocial Well-being of Children and Adolescents in Latin America. Children’s Well-Being: Indicators and Research, vol 16. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55601-7_15

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55601-7_15

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-55600-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-55601-7

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation