Self-esteem matters: racial & gender differences among rural southern adolescents
C S Hendricks1, A Tavakoli, D L Hendricks
1Southern University and A & M College, School of Nursing, P.O. Box 11784, Baton Rouge, LA 70813, USA. constancehendricks@suson,subr.edu
Abstract:
Self-esteem does matter! It matters so much that Oprah dedicated an entire issue of "O" magazine to address the subject. "It's a woman's most treasured possession" (Winfrey, 2000a). Self-esteem has a profound influence on adolescent health promotion behaviors. This study contributes to understanding the role self-esteem plays in the behavior of adolescents. Utilizing a secondary data analysis, race and gender self-esteem differences among adolescents were investigated. The sample of 1,237 students (46% African-American and 52% White) from rural southern areas consisted of 744 females and 493 males. Self-esteem was assessed using the Miller Self-esteem Questionnaire (SEQ). The Hendricks Perceptual Health Promoting Determinants Model (HPHD) provided the theoretical framework for the study. The results of the study revealed a statistically significant difference in various aspects of self-esteem according to race and gender. African-Americans and males had a higher self-esteem which is consistent with many prior studies.
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Trait and State Self-Esteem
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Benefits of Self-Esteem


