Comparison of the real self, ideal self and ought self in adolescents with and without criminal history in Isfahan

Adolescents, as a vulnerable population, are at risk of developing social complications for several reasons. The aim of this study was to compare actual self, ideal self and ought self between the adolescents with and without criminal history in Isfahan.

In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2012, 79 adolescents between 15 to 18 years old in Rehabilitation and Training Center, and 120 adolescents without criminal history studying in high schools of Isfahan were matched for age. Data gathering tool was a questionnaire consisting of demographic data and 27 items concerning self-discrepancy. The data were analyzed by ANCOVA, ANOVA, chi square, and independent t-test in SPSS software.

The mean (±standard deviation) score of actual self, ideal self, ought self, difference between actual self and ideal self and difference between actual self and ought self in delinquency group was 63.08 ±13.82, 80.97±15.34, 77±14.14, -17.89 ± 18.17 and -13.92 ± 17.09, respectively and in adolescents with no criminal history 73.63±9.33, 79.35±14.69, 75.07±15.56, -6.07±15.17 and -1.31±16.3, respectively. Actual self mean score was significantly higher in the group with no criminal history (P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in the mean scores of ought self) P=0.36) and actual self (P=0.45) between the two groups.

The actual self scores were lower in adolescents with criminal history than the adolescents without criminal history; therefore, educational planners and school authorities should adopt an appropriate training approach with regards to actual self to protect adolescents against delinquent behavior.