Correlates of self-esteem in preadolescence : the role of gender

• Main Author: Phylactou, Catherine A.
• Published: University of Surrey 2000
• Subjects: 301; Sociology
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.326742

The purpose of the present thesis is to investigate the correlates of self-esteem in pre-adolescence. In addition, the thesis aims to identify certain gender-specific factors which may differentiate girls and boys with respect to levels of self-esteem. The sample in this research derived from eight public elementary schools situated at an average socioeconomic level district of Athens. It comprises 147 6" grade pupils of both sexes and 103 mothers. Children were administered the relevant questionnaires during two regular work periods in the normal classroom. The mothers were contacted by telephone and those who agreed to participate completed relevant questionnaires at home. Among the factors which were examined were: the child's perceptions as regards beliefs of control and social support, the presence of stressful events in children's lives, behaviour problems in children at home and school, individual physical and social qualities of children, as assessed by the mother, and father's involvement with children's everyday activities. Further, the quality of family functioning as perceived by both the mother and child. Finally, sociodemographic variables referring to certain characteristics of the family, such as structure and socioeconomic status, and children's characteristics, such as weight height and physical health. Results indicate that externality of locus of control is the factor which correlates most strongly with self-esteem and this applies for both sexes. Lack of social support, mother's age and the child's satisfaction with family functioning are also influential. Weaker correlations were observed between a child's self-esteem and the child's perception of family cohesion, the distance between mother's ideal self and mother's image of the child, the mother's viewing the child as lacking effectiveness, the mother's perception of family adaptability and the average score of negative events in the child's life. Results from separate analyses among boys and girls are discussed.