Self-Concepts of Japanese-American Children

The self-concept of Japanese-American and White American fourth- through sixth-grade children was measured using a modification of the Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale. This study centered upon comparisons between the two ethnic groups, with special interest in the physical self-concept. Nine items dealing with the physical self-concept that were thought to be especially sensitive to Japanese-American populations were used with the original Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale. Significant results between the two groups were found only on the three physical self-concept scores. The Japanese-American children scored significantly lower than the White American children on all three physical scores. No significant differences were demonstrated on any of the other subscales or the composite score.