Journal article
Gender Differences in Self-Concept among Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Multidimensional Studies
School psychology quarterly, Vol.14(2), pp.101-120
1999
DOI: 10.1037/h0089000
Abstract
Gender differences in self-concept among children and adolescents continues to
be a topic that generates substantial interest in the professional literature as
well as the popular press. In fact, notions of particular patterns of gender
differences in self-concept have often been accepted without critical
questioning, despite frequent flaws in the methodology used to identify such
findings. Additionally, important changes in theory development regarding
self-concept have occurred during the past two decades, raising questions
regarding some of the assumptions on gender differences that resulted from
older, unidimensional models of self-concept. The purpose of this investigation
was to consolidate the recent and more sophisticated research on gender
differences in self-concept among children and youth. This was done by
conducting a systematic meta-analysis of research published since 1980,
particularly involving self-concept as a multidimensional phenomenon. Through a
comprehensive search process, 22 studies representing over 19,000 child and
adolescent participants were ultimately analyzed. Mean effect size estimates
across dimensions showed a complex pattern of gender differences and
similarities, some of which were consistent across grade levels and others of
which were not. Although some of the findings defied stereotypes, several were
consistent with previous notions regarding differences in self-concept based on
gender. The direction and complexity of these results emphasizes the importance
of discussing developmental differences in self-concept in a thoughtful and
careful manner and argues against the use of simplistic global generalizations.
Limitations of the present investigation, as well as recommended directions for
future research, are discussed.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Gender Differences in Self-Concept among Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Multidimensional Studies
- Creators
- Tammy Wilgenbusch - University of IowaKenneth W Merrell - The University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- School psychology quarterly, Vol.14(2), pp.101-120
- Publisher
- Guilford Publications
- DOI
- 10.1037/h0089000
- ISSN
- 1045-3830
- eISSN
- 1939-1560
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 1999
- Academic Unit
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Pediatric Psychology
- Record Identifier
- 9984353881802771
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