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Better self-concept, better future choices? Behavioral and neural changes after a naturalistic self-concept training
L P E Van der Aar1,2, S Peters3,4, A I Becht5,6
1Department of Developmental Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands. l.p.e.van.der.aar@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience
|September 27, 2021
Summary
Adolescent self-concept training improved self-esteem and clarity, aiding educational choices. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a role in positive self-evaluations and training outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Adolescents often struggle with selecting higher education majors aligned with their self-perceptions.
- Enhancing self-concept development can improve major selection and educational decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a gap year self-concept training on self-evaluation processes.
- To examine behavioral and neural changes associated with self-concept development.
- To assess the long-term effects on educational decision-making and academic success.
Main Methods:
- A 4-wave longitudinal study involving 38 adolescents/young adults (ages 16-24).
- Included behavioral assessments, self-esteem, and self-concept clarity questionnaires.
- Utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during self-evaluation tasks before, during, and after training.
Main Results:
- Self-concept training increased self-evaluations, self-esteem, and self-concept clarity.
- Lower baseline medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity predicted greater self-esteem increases.
- Post-training mPFC activity increased for positive trait evaluations; self-concept clarity predicted college adjustment and performance.
Conclusions:
- Self-concept is malleable in late adolescents, influenced by the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC).
- Improved self-concept clarity and positive self-evaluations are linked to better academic and social outcomes.
- This training offers a pathway to support adolescents in educational and personal development.
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