Exploring the Latent Profiles of Self-Concept for Elementary School Students

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate classifications and qualities of the self-concept latent profile using latent profile analysis; and to verify how the latent profile is related to predictor variables and outcome variables. Methods For this purpose, a self-concept latent profile analysis was conducted on 388 elementary school students in Chungnam province. The social support scale was selected as a predictor of self-concept latent profile, and achievement-related variables (self-determination motivation, achievement emotion, academic effort) and academic achievement scale were selected as outcome variables according to self-concept latent profile. Results The major results of this study are as follows. First, three self-concept latent profiles were extracted from elementary school students: ‘Overall Lowness-Physical Appearance Negative Type’, ‘Overall Average-Parent Relationship Positive Type’, and ‘Overall Positive Type’; Secund, the higher the social support(teacher⋅parents⋅friend support) as predictor variables of the self-concept latent profile, the higher the likelihood of belonging to the ‘Overall Positive Type’; the lower the level of these, the higher the likelihood of belonging to the ‘Overall Lowness-Physical Appearance Negative Type’; Third, for those belonging to the ‘Overall Positive Type’, where self-concept is high, higher levels of self-determination motivation, enjoyment, academic effort, and academic achievement were identified, rather than in the ‘Overall Average-Parent Relationship Positive Type’ and ‘Overall Lowness-Physical Appearance Negative Type’. Conclusions By revealing that self-concept changes into various types, it shows the need for educational intervention to promote social relationships, along with customized guidance according to the group level.