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Sex role orientation and dimensions of self-esteem among middle adolescents

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Abstract

A questionnaire study of 229 high-school students examined the relationship between sex role orientation and various dimensions of self-esteem. The results provide strong support for the masculinity model self-esteem, especially for females. Multivariate analyses of variance revealed the following: (a) females perceived themselves to be significantly more socially competent than males; (b) males perceived themselves to be more physically competent than females; (c) adolescents high on masculinity perceived themselves to be significantly more socially competent, physically competent, and to have higher general self-esteem than those low on masculinity; (d) males and females high on masculinity perceived themselves to be significantly more physically competent and to have higher general self-esteem than females low on masculinity, although males low on masculinity did not differ significantly from any of the other interaction groups. Regression analyses by gender revealed the following: (a) the contribution of masculinity to social competence was much greater for females than for males, (b) the contribution of masculinity to physical competence was much greater for females than for males, and (c) the contribution of masculinity to general self-esteem was much greater for females than for males. In summary, for males, gender may override the impact of sex role orientation, while among females the impact of sex role orientation may be accentuated.

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This research was supported through the Agricultural Experiment Station at Oregon State University as part of Project W-144, Social Competencies in Children. The authors would also like to express gratitude to Dr. Leanne Lamke and Dr. Alexis Walker for their thoughtful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript. Both authors contributed equally to the research and preparation of this manuscript.

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Cate, R., Sugawara, A.I. Sex role orientation and dimensions of self-esteem among middle adolescents. Sex Roles 15, 145–158 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00287480

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