Image of Self, Schoolmates, Parents, and Adults among Wolof Adolescents
This study investigated 695 Wolof secondary school students' (176 girls, 519 boys, age range from 17 to 20 yr.) perception of self, family, comrades and adults in general by a questionnaire. (a) Subjects were twice less worried about their physical appearance than about their psychological makeup. (b) Subjects' criticisms were levelled mainly at adults in general and less at themselves. (c) There was a greater concern for the family's poverty and a preference for perfect harmony at home. (d) Kindness was the most appreciated quality in comrades. (e) Concerning adults, opinion was evenly divided. Some appreciate their advice and kindness, others hate their vices and intolerance; however, when requested to choose between a status of adolescence or of adulthood, subjects anticipated fear of the heavy responsibilities of adults often coupled with a thirst for independence, a desire to keep up their families, and have their own families as well.