Self-Concept of the Bachelor of Science in Social Work Students of the University of Northern Philippines

Abstract

This study endeavored to determine the level of selfconcept of the social work students of the University of Northern Philippines. It utilized the descriptive method of research with a questionnaire as the main data gathering instrument. The research involved 73 social work students from first year to fourth year, during the second semester of school year 2007-2008. The respondents who mostly studied at public high schools reside in the rural areas. They come from low income families comprising of 3-4 children. Their parents have a low level of educational attainment. The self-concept ofthe students was found out to be at a "high" level. Year level and mothers' education were noted to significantly contribute to the self-concept ofthe students. Majority of the social work students who completed their secondary education at public high schools belong to low income families comprising of 3-4 children where both parents had low level of educational attainment. Furthermore, social work students who are mostlyfrom the rural areas belong to closely knit families. Social work students have high regards ofthemselves. They have strong faith in the Almighty, are more or less contented with themselves and show concern for the welfare of others. However, as normal beings just like anyone else they sometimes fall short of expected conduct. The social work students' self-concept is highly influenced by their year level and their mother's education. Indeed moving on to a higher level of learning is vital and instrumental to self development. Mothers on the other hand, remain to be the most influential figure in the person's life. The following recommendations are forwarded: 1) In order to further enhance the social work students' self-concept, the college of social work in cooperation with the university guidance center and the social work students' organization should plan for appropriate student development activities; 2) Faculty advisers in cooperation with subject teachers should continuously monitor the development of the students. This way, appropriate measure can be undertaken to ward of the existence ofmore serious student problems; and 3) A study on the relationship between selfconcept and emotional quotient be made as an off shoot of this investigation.