A Structural Model of Self-Concept among Children and Adolescents from Multicultural Families Based on the Ecological Systems Model

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to validate a structural model of self-concept among children and adolescents from multicultural families. Methods: Data were collected from 325 mothers of multicultural families and their 417 children. Confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis and multiple mediation analysis with a phantom variable approach were used to assess construct validity and relations between model variables. Results: Goodness of fit indices of the modified theoretical model, the standardized χ2 (2.75), RMR (.02), RMSEA (.07), NFI (.90), TLI (.92), CFI (.94), GFI (.89), and AGFI (.87), met criteria. Social support and mental health problem had significant direct effects on self-concept, whereas residential environment and school adjustment had significant indirect effects, accounting in combination for 53% of the variance in self-concept. Conclusion: Based on the results, mental health problem mediated the relationships of self-concept and parenting stress.