Self-perception in late adolescence: an interactive perspective

Self-perception during late adolescence was examined as a correlate of individual temperament. Harter's Self-Perception Scale for College Students and the Adult Form of the Dimensions of Temperament Survey-Revised were administered to 111 college students. It was found that positive self-perception was generally associated with an approaching, flexible, and positive mood pattern, and with high task orientation. Different aspects of self-perception showed distinct relationships with specific temperament dimensions. Self-perception differences for men and women also were noted. An interactive model was used to explain the research outcomes and to suggest environmental features that might be related to the development of positive self-perception.