Hierarchical classification and the integration of self-structure in late adolescence

A number of empirical studies have demonstrated that one's self-concept is multidimensional in nature, varies according to social context, and shows i ncreased differentiation throughout adolescence. There has been relatively less work, however, examining the integration of multi-dimensional social s elves. Rosenberg and Gara's (1985) model of the multidimensional self (a mo del that utilizes a statistical procedure called "hierarchical classificati on" or HICLAS) was employed to investigate the integration of social selves during late adolescence. First- and fourth-year college students (n = 128) completed a computer program designed to collect data required to construc t HICLAS "self-structures". The findings indicated that the social selves o f fourth-year college students were more related conceptually and were more differentiated than the social selves of first-year students. The differen ces between first- and fourth-year students suggested that hierarchical cla ssification procedures could be used to address developmental hypotheses. ( C) 2001 The Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.