Self-concept: differences between Appalachian and non-Appalachian students

Abstract

This study sought to examine differences in the levels of self concept between freshman students at Virginia Tech based on their Appalachian group membership and gender. The research question was: What are the differences in the levels of self-concept as measured by the Self-Perception Profile for College Students (SPPCS) (Neeman & Harter, 1986 among freshman students at Virginia Tech based on their Appalachian group membership and gender? The SPPCS was administered to 386 students divided equally between Appalachian and non-Appalachian students.

Overall, there was a 64.3% return rate with 1 09( 47.6%) female responses and 120(52.3%) male responses. The sample also consisted of 113(49.3%) Appalachian responses and 119(50.7%) non-Appalachian responses. The researcher computed two-way ANOVAs on the 13 subscales. There were no significant differences between Appalachian and non-Appalachian students. However, there were significant differences found between the men and women with the women scoring higher on the scales relating to relationships and the mens scoring higher on the scales relating to athletic competence and physical attractiveness. Overall, the students reported moderate to high levels of self-concept