Factor analysis of the tennessee self-concept scale in an adolescent sample

The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) was individually administered to 905 juvenile offenders and their responses subjected to factor analysis in an attempt to verify the multidimensional factor structure of the self upon which the TSCS is based (Fitts, 1965). There was no evidence to support a multifactorial internal structure for the TSCS in this population. A single factor which accounted for the majority of the variance was supported, consistent with previous studies in other age groups. The use of the standard interpretive guidelines offered in the TSCS manual does not appear to be warranted for this population, although the total positive score may be interpretable as an index of overall level of self-esteem.