Sex differences in self-concept in Spanish secondary school students
1Department of Analysis and Psychosocioeducative Intervention, University of Vigo, Facultad de Humanidades, 32004 Ourense, Spain. mjsotelo@uvigo.es
Psychological Reports
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Boys reported higher global self-esteem than girls on some measures, but no differences were found in most self-concept domains. Girls scored higher on ethical-moral self-concept.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Self-esteem and self-concept are crucial aspects of psychological development.
- Understanding gender differences in these areas can inform interventions and educational practices.
- Previous research presents mixed findings regarding gender disparities in self-esteem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in global self-esteem.
- To explore gender variations in specific domains of self-concept.
- To compare self-esteem and self-concept scores between boys and girls.
Main Methods:
- Administered multiple measures of global self-esteem and multidimensional self-concept.
- Included 61 boys and 64 girls in the study sample.
- Utilized the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory, Janis-Field's Feelings of Inadequacy Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale.
Main Results:
- Boys reported higher global self-esteem than girls on the Coopersmith and Janis-Field scales.
- This finding was not replicated using the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale.
- No significant gender differences were observed in most self-concept domains.
- Girls scored higher than boys on ethical-moral self-concept.
Conclusions:
- Gender differences in global self-esteem are inconsistent and may depend on the measurement tool.
- Domain-specific self-concepts, particularly ethical-moral aspects, may show gender variations.
- Further research is needed to clarify the nuances of gender differences in self-perception.
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