Selfkonsep en coping by kinders met allergieë

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine if there are significant differences between children with allergies and children without allergies. The current research focused on two components of psychological well-being: self-concept and coping. The constructs self-concept and coping, as well as the different types of allergies, together with the relationships between these constructs were analysed from the literature. For the purposes of the empirical study, the study population consisted of children in their late middle childhood (Grades 4-7) from schools which were identified in various regions of South Africa by means of an availability sample. The children in the samples were randomly selected from the class lists. In the present investigation self-concept was operationalised by the Piers Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PH) of Piers (1984). The sub-scales include: PH 1 (behaviour), PH 2 (intellectual and school status), PH 3 (physical appearance and attributes), PH 4 (anxiety), PH 5 (popularity), and PH 6 (happiness and satisfaction). Coping was operationalised by the Stress Response Scale (SRS) of Chandler (1986). The sub-scales include: SRS A (impulsive/acting out), SRS P (passive-aggressive), SRS 0 (impulsive/overactive), SRS R (repressed), and SRS D (dependant) No differences were found between the group with allergies and the group without allergies on the Piers Harris Self-Concept Scale. This means that there are no significant differences between the self-concept of children with allergies and children without allergies. Significant relationships were found

between the two groups on the Stress Response Scale (SRSR). This suggests that children with allergies are possibly more likely to repress their emotions in reaction to a stressor, than children without allergies. This mini-dissertation was concluded with recommendations for future

research as well as for the practical implementation of the findings.