PROBLEhrMuch self-concept research and practice has been based on the assumption that the greater the discrepancy between the two self variables, actual self and ideal self, the greater the maladjustment. However, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that this is not true (e.g.e * , 3 ) . I n fact, several studies using self-ideal self discrepancy scores have found it impossible to differentiate certain psychodiagnostic categories ( e . g., most schizophrenias) from "norrnals" ('g 3 4 , 5 ) . When self-concept measurement is limited t o the variables self and ideal self, it simply does not have sufficient generality and sensitivity for a wide range of psychological research. Practically speaking, i t is virtually limited to studies involving psychoneurotics.Efforts were made by Miskimins (5* 6, to expand and detail self-concept measurement in such a way as t o make possible the identification of heretofore indistinguishable psychopathology. This study considers the relationships between various self-concept configurations, provided through a novel measurement technique, and :t large number of specific psychiatric-behavioral symptoms.

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A common guideline for vocational counseling is the rule requiring congruence between a man and his job. The issue of person‐placement congruence was studied utilizing 159 patients referred for vocational rehabilitation to the Mental Health and Manpower Project from the Fort Logan Mental Health Center. A 13‐item scale devised by project research staff and completed by vocational counselors was shown to predict later job success. By separating the scale into two categories, those items dealing with abilities and those related to needs, it was possible to predict the nature of job termination, i.e., quit or was fired. There was demonstrated considerable validity for the man‐job fit approach to counseling, and this research served as an initial step toward detailing this rather simple rule.

Fourteen adolescent females referred for delinquent and acting-out behaviors were compared pre-and posttreatment on measures of self-concept, ideal selfconcept, and anxiety. These Ss were exposed to a 10-wk. socialization program designed to produce positive changes in self-concept; however, 9 Ss were in a group run by community volunteers while 5 5s were in a group run by mental health professionals. Self-concept changes in a nonreferred comparison group of 8 nondeliquent 5s appeared nearly random in contrast to the systematic improvement for the 14 Ss in therapy. There was some evidence of differential Effectiveness in that Ss in the professionally led group appeared to undergo the most marked changes.

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