A Query into the Relationship between Gender and Self Esteem in Adolescent Females

importance of having high self-esteem, far too many adolescent girls are allowed to fall through the cracks and suffer from the diminished senses of self at ever increasing ages.

Why do girls experience more pronounced problems with self-esteem than their male counterparts and what has caused this gender gap to emerge in a supposed society of equality?

Kennon M. Sheldon Ph.D of the University of Missouri-Columbia states

. . .
Self-esteem can be seen as at least one of the causes of the high rates of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and depression in girls and can explain why so many young girls believe that they are inferior, incompetent and worthy of shame rather than praise. Explanations can also be seen as to why women have not yet been able to fully thrust themselves through the proverbial glass ceilings of corporate America. This discrepancy between girls and boys depression rates is attributed to girl’s tendency to worry. Characteristics typically viewed as male are more dominant and often necessary for success. Generally, in the classroom males are more active and females are more passive. Factors such as diet and nutrition, sexual behavior, family relationships, use of health services, violence, and substance abuse were observed to determine the frequency of occurrence and potential explanations.

The dramatic details of the report commissioned by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) entitled Shortchanging Girls, Shortchanging America

revitalized research on gender differences in America’s school systems. The study found that in elementary school sixty-seven percent of boys and sixty percent of girls were happy with who they were. In all three

United States samples self-esteem topped the list with autonomy, self-endorsed competence and relatedness following behind. Ranking at the bottom of the list were popularity, wealth and luxury. During puberty the body goes through many changes, and in girls the changes in their physical appearance may become overwhelming. Bullies, hit men, genocidal maniacs, gang leaders and violent children often have high self-esteem.

Before eleven years of age males and females are treated for equal rates of depressive disorders. Boys are often portrayed as being clever, brave, creative and resourceful, whereas girls are depicted as being kind, dependent and docile (Pipher, 63).

Common topics in this essay:
Shortchanging America, Erik Erickson, Bulimia Nervosa, Human Development, Lois Murphy, Social Psychology, University Albany, Positive Regard, Traditional American, Supreme Law, role models, girls boys, models girls, negative body, view themselves, strong sense, role models girls, anorexia nervosa, latin females, girls shortchanging america, males females, adolescent girls, bulimia nervosa depression, nervosa bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa bulimia,

Approximate Word count = 2657
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)

Already a member? Click here