Abstract

With the purpose of comparing mental structure and self concept between Mexican and Chilean children, a sample of 67 Mexican and 120 Chilean children participated in the study. Data were collected through the application of a Mexican instrument adapted to the Chilean sample. Main component factor analysis with varimax rotation revealed similarities and differences in both self concept structure and contents between the samples as an effect of culture. Results confirmed that subjects in both samples tend to perceive themselves as affiliative and respectful of norms. Mexican children perceived themselves as more obedient and passive, and the Chilean as more active and assertive.