An examination of the relationship between social interest and self-management effectiveness

This study was designed to examine the possible relationship between social interest and self-management effectiveness. The work and social dimensions of social interest and self-management, as well as the potential relation between social interest and friend/relative contacts, were examined also.

Two-hundred and one students participated in the study. All students were enrolled at either the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, or Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. Each student was administered Berkman's Social Network Index (BSNI); the Social Interest Index (SII); and Self-Description Form (SDF). Pearson product-moment correlations were performed on the: (a) total SII and SDF scores; (b) social scale scores on the SII and SDF; (c) work scale scores on the SII and SDF; and (d) total SII scores and friend/relative items of the BSNI.

It was found that social interest and self-management were correlated significantly. Work attitude and work behavior, as well as social attitude and social behavior, were positively associated. Social interest and friend/relative contacts were related significantly. The results of the study were discussed and some cautions regarding the findings were presented. Some directions for future research on social interest and self-management were suggested.