Multidimensional Self-Concepts

Abstract

Marsh, Richards, and Barnes (1986) examined systematic change and stability in multiple dimensions of self-concept and the effects of participation in a 26-day residential program called Outward Bound. Multidimensional self-concepts measured with the Self Description Questionnaire (SDQ) III increased as a consequence of the intervention and the increases were significantly larger for those facets judged a priori to be more relevant to program goals. For purposes f the present investigation participants from the previous study were asked to complete the SDQ III again, 18 months after completion of the program; and there was little systematic change in the multidimensional self-concepts during the long-term follow-up interval. Coupled with the results of the earlier study and further examination of the psychometric properties of the SDQ III, these findings further support the Outward Bound program as an effective intervention for enhancing self-concept and the construct validity of responses to the SDQ III. The longitudinal study of successful interventions designed to enhance self-concept are rare, and so the findings are important in that they demonstrate that self-concept can be changed through effective intervention and that these effects can be maintained.