In this study we examined the structure of self-concept (SC) and the internal/external (I/E) frame of reference model for elementary (n = 276) and junior high (n = 293) students in the United Arab Emirates. The results provided support for the multifaceted interpretation for both groups of students. However, the study provided stronger support for the hierarchical structure with junior high than with elementary students' data. Higher-order confirmatory factor analysis (HCFA) of each group revealed that the second-order factor model was the best fitting model. The pattern of correlations indicated that SC in various areas becomes more differentiated with age. Self-concept dimensions were more distinct for junior high students than for elementary students. SDQ-I subscales were more reliable with junior high students (range: .72-.94) than with elementary students (range: .74-.90). We found partial support for the propositions of the I/E frame of reference model for both groups of students.The self-concept (SC) structure and its relationships to other constructs have attracted much attention in the past two decades. This attention centered ____________