The relationship between self-concept components and anxiety in older adolescents

The theoretical focus of this study is late adolescence. Its study is relevant because this period is associated with a high academic workload for schoolchildren and the simultaneous development of self-awareness. The current sociocultural situation also exacerbates this effect and influences the development of adolescent self-concept. Amidst information overload, unstable social norms, and the high importance of external evaluation, adolescents face difficulties in understanding and accepting their own self. Adolescents become vulnerable and sensitive and may exhibit anxiety, which negatively impacts their effectiveness in all areas of activity. This article presents the results of an empirical study examining the relationship between the components of adolescent self-concept and anxiety, as well as an assessment of gender differences in these parameters. Ninety-two older adolescents from cities in Primorsky Krai participated in the study. The study utilized a testing method. The Spearman and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis of the results. The most prominent components of the self-concept structure were identified as those related to self-reflection, activity, physical characteristics, and social identity. While situational and personal anxiety predominate at a moderate level, phobic and asthenic components are also prominent. A negative correlation was established between the stability of the self-concept and anxiety. Girls significantly more often exhibit higher levels of self-esteem and general anxiety, as well as a pronounced sensitivity to interpersonal evaluation. Despite the existence of numerous empirical studies on anxiety and self-esteem in adolescents, this study offers scientific novelty as it provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between self-concept and anxiety. This study opens the possibility of developing preventive and corrective programs that can reduce anxiety and strengthen psychological resilience and self-esteem in adolescents.