Self-Esteem, Alcoholism, Sensation Seeking, GPA, and Differential Aptitude Test Scores of High School Students in an Honor Society

Abstract

29 high school students (10 boys, 19 girls), members of an honor society from a rural north central Kansas school district, were administered the MacAndrew Alcohol Scale, the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory—School Form, and the Sensation Seeking Scale (Form V). Their GPAs and the Differential Aptitude Test scores (verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, verbal plus numerical reasoning) were collected from their school files. Although ranges were restricted, this group's scores fell within normal levels on these measures. Boys scored higher on the MacAndrew scale, verbal plus numerical reasoning, and sensation seeking than girls. The seniors and juniors scored higher on sensation seeking than the sophomores. Correlations among scores were of low magnitude and likely reflected social pressures on this small scholastically able group.