Age and gender effects on global self-worth and domain-specific self-perceptions in youth

Abstract

Considering that self-perception of competence in the relevant domains is important for understanding of individual’s behavior and achievement, the study analyzed the effects of age and gender on global self-worth and domain-specific self-perceptions. The cross-sectional study included 1130 participants of age range 8-23 (520 males and 610 females). The participants were tested by the equivalent forms of six subscales from ‘Self-Perception Profile for Children’, ‘Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents’ and ‘Self-Perception Profile for College Students’. Subscales measured self-evaluations across domains of scholastic competence, social acceptance, athletic competence, physical appearance, behavioral conduct and global self-worth. Two separate MANOVAs revealed a significant main effect for age in male subsample (Wilks’ Lambda = 83, F (12, 1024)=8.35, p<01) and in female subsample (Wilks’ Lambda =.80, F (12, 1204)=11.80, p<.01). An analysis of variance showed that the effect of age in males was significant in physical appearance, behavioral conduct and global self-worth, while in females significant differences were registered in scholastic competence, athletic competence, physical appearance and behavioral conduct. Pedagogical implications refer to enhancing self-concept in youth by appropriate teaching strategies and supportive learning environment. Learning experiences within physical education might be particularly beneficial for female adolescents.