| Abstract: | An investigation was conducted to examine the relationship between a child's self-concept and the tendency to behave aggressively. Boys and girls (N=229) in eight classrooms (two third grades and two sixth grades from two different socioeconomic areas within the Provo, Utah, School District) were administered the Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale and the Children's Action Tendency Scale. Correlation coefficients were computed, and analysis of variance tests were used to determine the nature of variable relationships. No overall correlational pattern was found among self-concept and aggression scores. The analysis of variance results revealed a significantly larger mean aggressiveness score among children with low self-concepts when compared to children with medium and high self-concepts. Girls, while less aggressive than boys, became more aggressive with age, while boys' aggressiveness scores declined. Implications of the results were discussed in terms of methods of behavior change utilized by school personnel. |
