Self-concept: The generalizability of research on the SDQ, Marsh/Shavelson model and I/E frame of reference model to United Arab Emirates students

This study examined the structure of self-concept (SC) and the internal/external (I/E) frame of reference model for elementary (n = 276) and junior high (n = 293) students in the United Arab Emirates. The results provided support for the multifaceted interpretation for both groups of students. However, the study provided stronger support for the hierarchical structure with junior high than with elementary students' data. Higher-order confirmatory factor analysis (HCFA) of each group revealed that the second-order factor model was the best fitting model. The pattern of correlations indicated that SC in various areas becomes more differentiated with age. Self-concept dimensions were more distinct for junior high students than for elementary students. SDQ-I subscales were more reliable with junior high students (range: .72-.94) than with elementary students (range: .74-.90). The study provided partial support to the propositions of the I/E frame of reference model for both groups of students. MANOVA revealed that elementary students demonstrated significantly higher mean scores than did junior high students on two of the seven SC subscales (math and school SCs).