Adolescent self-concept: Effects of being employed, unemployed or returning to school

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Abstract
In order to provide further information on the effects of unemployment on the adolescent self‐concept, a sample of students was initially tested in their final year of compulsory schooling and then again in yearly intervals for two years, during which time the adolescents had either returned to school (n = 129), or become employed (n = 47), or unemployed(n = 40). Responses to a multidimensional measure of self‐concept, the Offer Self‐image Questionnaire (OSIQ), and a measure of depression, the Children's Depression Scale, were obtained. Small differences between the three groups were found while the adolescents were at school at Time 1. At Times 2 and 3, significant differences were found, with the unemployed young people having a less positive self‐image than either of the other groups. Analyses across time revealed significant time by employment group interactions, which were less evident for Time 2 to Time 3 than for Time 1 to Time 2. Results clearly indicate the negative experience of unemployment for young people and highlight the positive experience of gaining employment. There was minimal change in the self‐concept of those young people who returned to school. The importance of longitudinal studies over a longer period and the value of using differentiated measures in unemployment research is reiterated.