Differences in self-concept among groups of dancers, athletes, and non-movement oriented individuals

This study was conducted to investigate differences in self-concept, and various facets of self-concept, among female groups of athletes, dancers, and non-movement oriented individuals. The Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS) was the instrument used to evaluate the following for each subject group; total self-concept, identity self, behavioral self; self satisfaction; physical self; moral-ethical self; personal self; social self; self criticism; total variability; and distribution of scores. The TSCS was administered to the following females from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas: (1) forty athletes representing Sam Houston State University's women's traveling teams; (2) sixteen dancers representing the university's Performing Dance Group; and (3) twenty-seven students selected from academic classes at the university who have never been involved in sport and/or dance activities. One way analysis of variance was the statistical method used to evaluate results. An F-ratio was calculated for each facet of self-concept to determine significance among the tested groups. In addition to statistical calculations, results were subjectively evaluated by a trained psychologist. A mean score for each subject group for each facet of self-concept tested by the TSCS was graphically plotted. Each subject group was evaluated in relationship to (1) a normal population and (2) each other subject group. Subjective results suggested minor differences in four areas: (1) the athlete group appeared to possess a higher concept of identity, as measured by the TSCS, than did the dancer group or the group of non-movers; (2) the athlete group exhibited a greater certainty about test Reponses, as measured by the TSCS, than did the dancers or non-movers; (3) the group of dancers appeared to possess a higher concept of social self; as measured by the TSCS, than did the athletes or non-movers; and (4) the dancers appeared to be more accepting of themselves, as measured by the TSCS, than did the athlete group or the group of non-movers. Subjective results could not be supported statistically. Statistical results revealed no significant differences among subject groups for any facet of the self-concept measured by the TSCS. Therefore, it was concluded that: (1) there is no significant difference in self-concept or any facet of self-concept, as measured by the TSCS, among college aged female groups of athletes, dancers, and non-movement oriented individuals; and (2) statistical methods show that minor differences in TSCS scores which would appear to be real differences when graphed and subjectively evaluated can not be considered real differences.