Considering that self-perception of competence in the relevant domains is
important for understanding of individual?s behavior and achievement, the
study analyzed the effects of age and gender on global self-worth and
domain-specific selfperceptions. The cross-sectional study included 1130
participants of age range 8-23 (520 males and 610 females). The participants
were tested by the equivalent forms of six subscales from ?Self-Perception
Profile for Children?, ?Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents? and
?Self-Perception Profile for College Students?. Subscales measured
self-evaluations across domains of scholastic competence, social acceptance,
athletic competence, physical appearance, behavioral conduct and global
self-worth. Two separate MANOVAs revealed a significant main effect for age
in male subsample (Wilks? Lambda =.83, F (12, 1024)=8.35, p<.01) and in
female subsample (Wilks? Lambda =.80, F (12, 1204)=11.80, p< .01). An
analysis of variance showed that the effect of age in males was significant
in physical appearance, behavioral conduct and global self-worth, while in
females significant differences were registered in scholastic competence,
athletic competence, physical appearance and behavioral conduct. Pedagogical
implications refer to enhancing self-concept in youth by appropriate teaching
strategies and supportive learning environment. Learning experiences within
physical education might be particularly beneficial for female adolescents.
Age and gender effects on global self-worth and domain-specific self-perceptions in youth
