GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SELF-CONCEPT AND SELF-ESTEEM COMPONENTS

Scientific study of gender differences and similarities is critical to understanding human behaviour. In this research the authors focus on some key concepts of human functioning that are related to a vast number of phenomena: self-concept and its components. They included concepts about gender differences that have not been extensively examined, such as instability and contingency of self-esteem. 339 participants, aged from 19 to 63 years, filled out the following questionnaires: Adult Sources of Self-Esteem Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Instability of Self-Esteem Scale and Contingent Self-Esteem Scale. The results show that males and females do not differ in independent self-concept, self-esteem (level, stability, or contingency). Significant differences appeared mainly in the interdependent self-concept, which seems to show the effect of fundamental bio-socio-psychological influences. Other significant differences were in one aspect of independent self-concept and one aspect of contingent self-esteem.