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ERIC Number: ED382408
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1994-Nov
Pages: 16
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Kindergartners from Intact and Non-Intact Families: Some Comparisons.
Grymes, Joanna M.; Lawler-Prince, Dianne
Noting that family structure has an impact on a child's development, this study investigated the relationships among family structure, self-concept, and peer relations with kindergarten children. Interviews were conducted with 154 kindergarten children from 6 different classrooms and from different socio-economic backgrounds. The Woolner Preschool Self-Concept Picture Test was utilized to collect self-concept data from each child. Peer popularity was determined by using a peer nomination technique, and family structure information was collected from teachers. Four family structures were identified, but for statistical purposes, they were presented as two categories: "intact" families (families with both birth parents) and "non-intact" families (either families with only one birth parent present or families with other individuals such as grandparents or other relatives present). Results indicated that the majority of children exhibited a positive and consistent self-concept. Responses to three specific items that might be related to family structure were analyzed: acceptance/rejection of the father, happy/unhappy, and dependent/independent. A significant difference between the two family groups was found only on the latter item. Peer popularity ranged from isolated status to very popular. Analysis revealed that family structure did not account for differences in self-concept or peer popularity. The study acknowledges the limitations of the instrument used to measure self-concept and explains the reasons for the choice to use this instrument. Contains 28 references. (BAC)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Mid-South Educational Research Association (Nashville, TN, November 7-10, 1994).