Assessment And Management Of Negative Self-Image Among Selected Categories Of Nigerians

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the nature and characteristics of negative self- image among selected categories of Nigerians and manage those that manifested high negative self-image. In doing this, the study was carried out in two phases namely: the test development and standardization of Negative Self-Image phase and the assessment and management phase. In the test development phase, test items that constitute the Negative Self-Image Inventory (NSII) were generated and pilot-tested on a sample of 30 participants. The final version was then administered to a sample of 500 selected Nigerians (250 males and 250 females), comprising professional athletes, keep-fit exercisers, orthopaedic patients, psychiatric out-patients as well as others from normal population (that is, those not categorized under the aforementioned groups). NSII was administered concurrently with a similar test instrument - Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE), so as to determine its concurrent validity. In the assessment and management phase, NSII in addition with the following tests instruments (FNE), Adjective Checklist (ACL), Index of Self Esteem (ISE), illness Behaviour Questionnaire (IBO); Physical Self-Efficacy Scale (PSE) and Social Maladjustment Scale (SMS) were administered to 400 participants made up of 50 orthopaedic patients, 50 professional athletes, 50 keep-fit exercisers, 50 psychiatric out- patients and 200 'normal' participants. Those that manifested high negative self-image (30 participants), were subjected to 3 treatment groups of 1" treatment, 2nd treatment (placebo) and control groups, and were managed with Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, and Assertiveness Training techniques.