Cross-cultural validity of a model of self-worth: Application to Finnish children

In this study the cross-cultural validity of Harter’s (1985, 1986a, 1986b, 1987b, 1987c) measures and model of self-worth was investigated using a sample of 306 Finnish elementary school students. Principal components analyses supported the original factor structures of Harter’s (1985, 1986a) self-report questionnaires, the Self-Perception Profile for Children, and the Social Support Scale for Children. Consistent with Harter’s (1986b, 1987b, 1987c) model of the determinants of self-worth, multiple regression analysis indicated that both the competence-importance discrepancy and perceived social support explained the variability in self-worth. Implications of these findings for theory, research, and practice are discussed.