Gender Differences in Domain-Specific Self-Esteem: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis examines gender differences in 10 specific domains of self-esteem across 115 studies, including 428 effect sizes and 32,486 individuals. In a mixed-effects analysis, men scored significantly higher than women on physical appearance ( d = 0.35), athletic ( d = 0.41), personal self ( d = 0.28), and self-satisfaction self-esteem ( d = 0.33). Women scored higher than men on behavioral conduct ( d = −0.17) and moral–ethical self-esteem ( d = −0.38). The gender difference in physical appearance self-esteem was significant only after 1980 and was largest among adults. No significant gender differences appeared in academic, social acceptance, family, and affect self-esteem. The results demonstrate the influence of reflected appraisals on self-esteem.