Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Self-concept development and measurement in children with mild intellectual disabilities
Dana Donohue1, Justin C Wise, Maryann Romski
1Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA.
Objective:
Using a multi-trait-multi-method technique, self-concept was analysed as a function of chronological age in children with mild intellectual disabilities. Also, relations between reading achievement and self-concept were measured.
Methods:
Participants were assessed on the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test-Revised, the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance and the Self-Description Questionnaire I--Individual Administration.
Results:
A median split was run to divide participants into younger and older groups; older participants evidenced coefficients that revealed more multidimensionality, stability and discriminant validity. Also, a significant canonical correlation was found between the Harter Pictorial Scale at Time 1 and WRMT-R at Time 2, chi(2)(8) = 17.99, r = 0.62, p = 0.02.
Conclusion:
As a whole, these results suggest that children with intellectual disabilities evince self-concept development similar to what would be expected in typically-developing children.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Concept
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
Understanding Self-Concept
Intellectual Disability
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
The Looking Glass Self
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification

