Change and Stability of Self-Concepts of Iranian Psychiatric Patients and Normals

Abstract

Using a Semantic Differential type of questionnaire, the self-concept, ideal-self, and the discrepancies between them were measured for 45 male and 36 female Iranian psychiatric patients admitted to a University-affiliated hospital in the first 48 hr. of hospitalization and compared with those of a group of 24 normals. Significant differences were found in self-concept and self-concept/ideal-self discrepancy between the two groups. After a 4-wk. interval, the testing was repeated and changes as to self-concept, and self-concept—ideal-self discrepancy of patients were investigated and contrasted with the same for normals. Results indicated that, while the self-concept and discrepancy of self-concept/ideal-self of the normals remained stable, those of mental patients significantly improved but were still lower than those of normals.