Development of Self Concept in Negro and White Welfare Children

Abstract

80 children of welfare mothers were administered a measure of self concept. The children were equally divided as to sex, race (Negro or white), and grade (first or fifth). The overall results show that girls are more negative in self concept than boys and fifth graders are more negative than first graders. No overall race difference was found. The results suggest that Negro children do not become increasingly more negative in their self concepts from first to fifth grade than do white children of equivalent social status.