The predictors of the negative self-concept in the puberty, adolescence, and emerging adulthood stages: The roles of the irrational beliefs, egocentrism, and gender

Objective: This study aimed to examine the predictive role of adolescent egocentrism, irrational beliefs, and gender on the negative self-perception levels of individuals in different stages of development. Methods: This research was conducted with cross-sectional and correlational research designs. The study included 667 people age ranging from 13 to 24 years who attended various classes of secondary schools, high schools, and universities. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to examine whether imaginary audience, personal fable, irrational beliefs, and gender variables predicted negative self-concept levels of the participants. Brief Symptom Inventory for Adolescents, Irrational Beliefs Scale Adult and Adolescent Form, Egocentrism Scales Adult and Adolescent Form were used as data collection tools. The analyses were carried out separately for the participants in puberty (13-15), adolescence (16-18) and emerging adulthood (19-24) stages. Results: At the end of the study, in all three developmental periods, it was determined that the imaginary audience and irrational beliefs were positive predictors of the negative self-concept. In addition, it was founded that irrational beliefs have a partial mediator role in the relationship between negative self-concept and imaginary audience of adolescents and emerging adults. Discussion: It has been concluded that intervention studies on irrational beliefs of adolescents and emerging adults may partially heal or even prevent the negative effects of the imaginary audience on self-concept.