Abstract:

The objective of this research is to compare the self-concept of the athletes and non-athletes in secondary schools and additionally to determine the impact of sport experience and sport branch on the student's self-concept. A total of 156 students - Macedonian (n=71) and Turkish (n=85) - participate in the research's sample. Of 67% (n=104) the subjects are athletes and the remaining 33% (n=52) non-athletes. In the research, a Piers-Harris self-concept scale with an alpha reliability coeffient of .88 and a 12 question-form carried out to the sample. ANOVA, x2, t and Scheffe tests were applied to the data and correlation coefficients were calculated. The signifiance level was estimated as. 05. While variables such as school, age, parents' education, leisure activities, and sports experience affect the selfconcept of secondary school students; gender, parents'jobs, sport branch, participation in sports competitions and the existance of family members actively involved in sports are not statistically significant. Furthermore, a positive correlation has manifested between self-concept and sport experience and also family income. As for the Macedonian students, it has become apparent that only parents' education affects self-concept. Besides, a positive correlation has been found between sport experience and self-concept. In conclusion, it is revealed that self-concept scores of secondary school youngsters who make sports are higher than non-athletes. Hence, it can be asserted that sport and sport experience have a positive impact on selfconcept. Nevertheless, it has been determined that self-concept of Macedonian athletes is lower than that of Turkish students.

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