Date of Award

Fall 1992

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Bardwell, Rebecca

Abstract

Investigated the contribution of self-efficacy and sociability to the variance of self-esteem in males and females. Fifty-two males and seventy-seven females (average age of 31) answered a self-concept questionnaire containing the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Self-efficacy Scale, and the Texas Social Behavior Inventory. Regression analysis was performed to determine which factors contributed most heavily to the variances of males' and females' self-esteem. Findings support one hypothesis that suggests self-efficacy plays a greater role in males' self-esteem than in females' (79% versus 37%). Findings do not support the hypothesis that suggests sociability plays a greater role in females' self-esteem than in males' (66% for males versus 31 % for females). Low contributions of combined efficacy and sociability factors to variance in females' self-esteem (40%) leads to questions regarding what other factors might be involved. Discussion addresses possible changes in stereotypes of females and women's roles, asking if today's females might have more freedom in developing their identities and self-esteem without high social pressures.

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