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Gender differences in self-consistency: Evidence from an investigation of self-concept structure

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Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between two primary motivational components of the self-concept: self-esteem and self-consistency. Past research has shown that high self-esteem is associated with greater consistency. Developed from theories of the self-concept, a structural model relating these two constructs was posited such that (1) self-esteem is causally prior to self-consistency, and (2) the effect of self-esteem is (at least partially) mediated by other components of the self-concept (self-consciousness, the tendency to fantasize, and the tendency to present a false front by hiding one's feelings). Utilizing a structural equation model with unobserved variables, an analysis of covariance structures was applied simultaneously but separately to data from a sample of boys and girls (ages 8–19). Results showed that the direct effect of self-esteem on self-consistency was stronger for boys than for girls. Further, the mediational properties of the other self-concept components also varied across gender. These differences are interpreted in light of theories of gender socialization.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, Brown University, 02912, Providence, RI

    Gregory C. Elliott (Assistant Professor)

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  1. Gregory C. Elliott
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Additional information

Received Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His major research interest include the self-concept of young children, fairness in social relationships, and impression management.

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Elliott, G.C. Gender differences in self-consistency: Evidence from an investigation of self-concept structure. J Youth Adolescence 17, 41–57 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01538723

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01538723

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