Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to determine whether peer group discussions improve self-concept in the gifted adolescent population. The researcher also sought to ascertain what reflective themes emerged from journals written following the peer group discussions. The Theory of Modeling and Role-Modeling served as the theoretical framework for this quasi-experimental study. The sample consisted of 21 students enrolled in the 11th grade of a residential high school for mathematics and sciences. The school was located on a university campus in the southern region of the United States. The 21 students were randomly assigned to either the experimental (n = 11) or the control (n = 10) group. The experimental group participated in five weekly sessions of peer group discussions on self-concept. The curriculum focused on the components of self-concept. The experimental subjects were asked to provide weekly journals after each meeting. The Pyryt-Mendaglio Self-Perception Scale was used to determine self-concept scores. The posttest scores of the two groups did not reflect any significant differences. The researcher concluded that peer group discussions did not significantly alter the self-concept of the experimental group. However, content analysis of the journals revealed evidence of the impact of the group discussions. Three themes emerged, including self-concept, group development, and facilitator recognition. Implications for nursing include the need to become more knowledgeable of gifted adolescent behavioral characteristics, and group dynamics, group interventions. The nurse practitioner needs to be proficient in these areas in order to assist this population in establishing stable self-concepts and healthier behaviors. Recommendations include replication of this study with a larger population and extending the intervention time frame. Research should continue to investigate other applications of peer group discussions and additional interventions for improving the gifted adolescent’s selfconcept.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

7-17-1997

Publication Number

27919752

First Advisor

Dr. Mary Pat Curtis

Second Advisor

Janice Giallourakis

Third Advisor

Dr. Barbara Hunt

Document Type

Thesis

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