The impact of working with core qualities on primary school pupils’ self-concept

Abstract

This study examines the effects of an intervention intended to make primary school pupils aware of their core qualities on their self-concept. Self-concept was conceptualized from a multidimensional perspective and therefore operationalized in eight domains. A questionnaire administered at different times revealed several small though significant effects in both the short term (immediately after the intervention) and the longer term (three months after the intervention). Main conclusion was that working with core qualities has a positive impact on primary school pupils in various domains of self-concept. Pupils appeared to have a more positive picture of their relationship with peers and their school performance and in calculating/mathematics.

Keywords

• Self-concept
• Education
• Positive psychology
• Core qualities
• Intervention