Abstract

Since James' pioneering study of self-concept, the effect of general self-worth has been constantly argued among professionals. The present study, as a research series using Harter's Self-Perception Profile, focused primarily on the effects of the general self-worth on depression and delinquency. 1078 high school students, adolescent delinquents, and college students were administered with Harter's Self-Perception Profile, Self -Image Questionnaire, and depression and delinquency scale. results indicated that the general self-worth had strong relationships with depression in case of normal high school students. However, the effect of general self-worth was not significant both in depression of delinquent subjects and in delinquency of all subjects. Moreover, the effect of the components of Self-Perception Profile on depression was generally weaker than that of Self-Image Questionnaire.