A Study Of Self-concept And Its Comparison Between Only Children And Non-only Children In Macau Junior Students

The main purpose of this study was to examine whether there were differences between only-children and non-only children in Macau Junior Students in their self-concept It also aimed to realize what were the most important factors in influencing children's self-concept One hundreds and fifty-six junior students were randomly selected from 3 schools in Macau, using randomly stratified cluster sampling. Among the participants, there were 78 only children. Data concerned children's self-concept, religious status, behaviors, academic achievement, and some demographic / background variables (only / non-only child, sex, numbers of siblings and family socioeconomic status) were also included.The participants were administered a questionnaire, which has two sections. The first section is about some demographic or background variables (only / non-only child, sex, age, class, birth place, religious status, parents' marital status, parents' educational background, numbers of siblings and family socioeconomic status.) The second section is the Tennessee Self-concept Scale. Data were analyzed in correlation analysis, multiple-regression analysis and path analysis. The results indicated as follows.1. Non-only children were found to have better self-concept than only children. It reflected that non-only children had a positive prosocial behavior.2. In two-parent family, non-only children were found to have better self- concept than only children. However, in one-parent family, there was no difference in self-concept between only children and non-only children.3. When having been punished by teachers, non-only children were found to have better self-concept than only children. It reflected that only children were unwilling to be criticized.4. Without any religion, non-only children were found to have better self- concept than only children. It reflected that only children were quite self-willed and squeamish, it was hard for them to be tolerant and co-operate smoothly withother people.5. In middle family socioeconomic status, non-only children were found to have better self-concept than only children. However, in high family socioeconomic status and low family socioeconomic status, there were no differences in self-concept between only children and non-only children.6. In high academic achievement, non-only children were found to have better self-concept than only children. However, in middle and low academic achievement, there were no differences in self-concept between only children and non-only children.7. Non-only children were found to have better personal self than only children. They satisfied with themselves and had positive values.8. Non-only children were found to have better family self than only children. Non-only children took more responsibility for their family than only children.9. Non-only children were found to have better self-identity than only children. Non-only children had more self-confidence and self- understanding when fulfilling their future plan.In summary, this study found that only children had poorer self-concept than non-only children. It was suggested that there were high co-relations between only children and demographic backgrounds (socioeconomic status, academic achievement, religious status, parents' marital status, etc), which related directly or indirectly to children's self-concept...