Objetive:

Scientific literature argues the influence of family communication on the development of cognitive functions and the consequent psychosocial adjustment of adolescents; in turn, it relates to the formation of their self-concept. This paper aims at exploring the perception of family communication impact into the autoconcept education, focusing family communication from the perspective of adolescents.

Methods:

The authors follow a quantitative correlational-cross-sectional design in a sample of 317 participants (ages between 14 and 17 years) from the city of Loja, Ecuador. To measure the variables, the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS) and the Self-Concept Questionnaire Form 5 (AF-5) were used.

Results:

The findings reveal that communication, in terms of degree of openness (PACS), shows significant direct correlations with the academic, social, emotional, family and physical self-concept. On the other hand, the magnitude of problems dimension (PACS) is indirectly associated with the emotional and family self-concept. These results emphasize the importance of encouraging open and healthy communication in the family environment as a means to promote a healthy self-concept.

Conclusions:

Family environment should include affective, assertive participating mechanism to create confidence and favoring the adolescent formation of self-concept.