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Article
Reliability and validity of the self-perception profile for adolescents: An Australian sample
Australian Journal of Psychology
  • Elizabeth Rose, University of Notre Dame Australia
  • Beth Hands, University of Notre Dame Australia
  • Dawn Larkin
Year of Publication
2012
Abstract

In this study, we explored the psychometric properties and factorial validity of Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (SPPA) with an Australian sample drawn from the Raine study 14-year follow-up. Participants, boys (n = 795) and girls (n = 758) from Grades 8, 9, and 10, completed the SPPA. Cronbach's alpha showed good internal reliabilities for seven of the eight subscales and global self-worth. Boys had significantly higher athletic (p < .001), physical appearance (p < .001), and romantic (p < .05) self-perceptions, while the girls perceived significantly higher behavioural conduct (p < .001) and close friendships (p < .001). Exploratory factor analysis yielded similar factors to those reported by Harter with North American adolescents, although cross loadings resulted in one additional factor. Our findings generally supported Harter's conceptualisation of the self as a multidimensional construct, and with minor modifications, the use of the SPPA with Australian adolescents.

Keywords
  • Peer-reviewed
Citation Information
Elizabeth Rose, Beth Hands and Dawn Larkin. "Reliability and validity of the self-perception profile for adolescents: An Australian sample" Australian Journal of Psychology Vol. 64 Iss. 2 (2012) ISSN: 0004-9530
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/beth-hands/8/