Self-Concept of adolescents in war zone and peaceful circumstances

Abstract

This article presents the research of self-concept on samples of adolescents who had been living in extreme conditions of war and in stable social circumstances. A comparative analysis of the self-concept main structural components has been studied. An impact of extreme conditions on the building of adolescent self-concept has been analyzed. The results show that adolescents suffered the war perceive the world as threatening and self function in that world as: (1) defensive, suffering, being in need of help and dying; (2) taking vengeance and attacking; (3) outcast and humble. This does not tend for adolescents living in stable social environment. The higher expectation of positive relationship from others combined with negativism towards others is more relevant for the adolescents had been living in war zone and shows their frustrated needs in positive relationship, empathy and understanding from others. The pessimistic perception of self in future is also characterized for this sample.