Self-perception and adolescent psychopathology: a clinical-developmental perspective

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1994 Apr;64(2):293-300. doi: 10.1037/h0079514.

Abstract

The relationship between self-perception and adolescent psychopathology was examined on nine domains of self-perception in a group of adolescent psychiatric inpatients and a comparison group of nonpatients. Inpatients rated themselves significantly lower in four domains, and correlations between symptom reports and domains of self-perception supported a relationship between negative self-perception and psychopathology. Further analysis suggested less differentiated self-perceptions among inpatients than among nonpatients. Implications for developmental assessments and clinical interventions are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Massachusetts
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Patient Admission*
  • Personality Development*
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychometrics
  • Self Concept*