The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the differences between rural versus urban African-American adolescents on several scores of perceived competence in important areas of an adolescent's development. The sample included only African-American adolescents either living in urban public housing developments or a rural area approximately 40 miles away in the mid-south region. The Harter scale was utilized and the areas of competence included: scholastic competence, physical appearance, athletic competence, behavioral conduct, close friendships, social acceptance, and global self-worth. All scores were analyzed between environments and within gender. The urban sample scored significantly higher on several normed mean scores of self-competence with the exception of athletic ability, and social acceptance. In addition, the sample was contrasted with the original population norms developed by the authors of Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC) scale and participants scored lower on several competencies including: scholastic abilities, ath-