Effects of values clarification methodology on self-concept of selected group of second generation Armenian-American women
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
S. Y. Setian
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
S. B. Simon
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
1990
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
386
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
Ed.D.
Body granting the degree
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Text preceding or following the note
1990
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
The purpose of this study was (a) to examine how participants define themselves-particpants were children of survivors of the 1915 genocide by the Ottoman Turk, and (b) to examine the effects of values clarification methodology on their self-concept. This was a two-part study which consisted of interviews with four participants in Part 1, and an educational intervention in Part 2 which consisted of values clarification workshops involving 16 participants. Data from the interviews in Part 1 were used to design the educational intervention in Part 2. Workshop participants were involved in a one-month period of values clarification activities: a day-long workshop at the beginning of the month; another at the end of the month; and a take-home values clarification workbook requiring entries every other day between workshops. Interview data revealed underlying themes concerning fusion of personal identity to Armeniam heritage and tension in finding a suitable balance between Armenian and American values and lifestyles. Major issues that emerged from interviews and which formed the basis for values clarification workshop strategies were: Armenian heritage, genocide, suppression of feelings, choices, self-blame and self-minimization, avoidance, reactivity/passivity, and sadness and regretfulness. These issues were discussed in terms of women's identity formation as related to human development theories, feminist literature, and Armenian heritage. Results from Part 2 of the study were discussed in the same context. Qualitative and quantitative measures were used in Part 2 of the study. Qualitative measures used were On-sight Surveys, Participant Observation and Workshop Evaluation. Quantitative measures used were the Participant Profile Questionnaire (PPQ), which provided in-depth descriptive data, and the Self Perception Inventory (SPI) which was used in a one-group pretest-posttest design. Four traits moved in a negative direction at a significance level of.05. No statistically significant differences were found in a positive direction; however, data indicated differences in self-concept which suggested the following model of change: values queries > > psychological tension > > critical thinking skills > > understanding > > clearer reality > > self re-definition.