Gender self-discrepancies in middle childhood: influences on children’s personal and social adjustment

• Other Authors: Cooper, Patrick J. (author)
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Florida Atlantic University
• Subjects: Adjustment (Psychology) in children; Gender identity; Identity (Psychology) in adolescence; Self actualization (Psychology); Sex differences (Psychology)
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004187; http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004187

A self-discrepancy is a cognitive incompatibility between a conception of the desired self and the perception of the actual self (Higgins, 1987; Rogers & Dymond, 1954). The purpose of this dissertation is to gain a better understanding of the effects of gender self-discrepancies on the personal and social adjustment of preadolescent children. I propose that gender-related stereotypes and self-appraisals can be examined within a self-discrepancy framework. Preadolescent children (N=195) completed a variety of self- and peer-report questionnaires in the fall and spring of the school year. Children reported gender stereotypes and self-appraisals for four attributes (body image, athletics, dominance, and popularity). Measures of gender identity and of adjustment were also collected. Results suggested that children who possess a gender self discrepancy are at risk for maladjustment, especially internalizing difficulties and victimization by both girls and boys. === Includes bibliography. === Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. === FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection