Age and Gender Effects on Global Self-Esteem and Physical Self-Perception in Adolescents

Abstract

This study measured the effects of gender, age and their interaction on global selfesteem and physical self-perceptions (physical self-worth, PSW; physical condition, PC; physical strength, PS; attractive body, AB; sport competence, SC) of French adolescents. Global self-esteem (GSE) and physical self-perceptions were measured by the Physical Self Inventory. Participants were 605 adolescents assigned to groups on the basis of gender (males vs females) and age (from 11 to 16 years). Significant age, gender and interaction differences in the ratings were analysed using a two-way MANOVA design. An age effect was found on the GSE, PSW and AB scales and a gender effect was found on GSE and all physical self-perception scales. We found no interaction (age gender) effect. We discuss the separate effects of gender and age on GSE and physical self-perceptions in adolescents, as well as the lack of interaction effect.