Comparison of Self-Concept, Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Social Skills of Students with Specific Learning Disabilities and Their Normal Peers

Abstract

Psycho-social characteristics of individuals with specific learning disabilities may differ from their peers as well as their cognitive characteristics. It is aimed in this study to compare children with specific learning disabilities with their normal peers in terms of self-esteem, self-efficacy beliefs, and social skills. The study conducted with 111 children with specific learning difficulties and 115 developmentally normal children -totally 226 secondary school students in Ankara. The Personal Information Form, PiersHarris Children’s Self-Concept Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale for Children, and Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters are used as data collection tools. The data is analyzed with descriptive statistics tests and independent t-test. According to the findings of the research, significant differences are found between students with specific learning disabilities and their normal peers in terms of general self concept, selfconcept of happiness and satisfaction, popularity, life satisfaction, anxiety, physical appearance, school selfconcept; general, academic, social and emotional self-efficacy beliefs, and social skills scores.