Gender and grade level differences in self-concept dimensions: study with a Spanish adolescent sample

Abstract

This study analyzed gender and grade differences and the predictive role of these variables in the self-concept domains measured by the SDQ-II. The questionnaire was administered to 2.022 secondary school students from Grades 7 to 10. Results revealed that boys scored significantly higher in Physical Ability, Physical Appearance, Emotional Stability and Maths, whereas girls showed higher scores in Same Sex Relations, Parents Relations, Honesty-Trustworthiness and Verbal. No statistically significant differences were found in the total score. Likewise, statistically significant differences were not found in grade level regarding Physical Abilities, Same Sex Relations, Emotional Stability, Maths, General Self and Honesty-Trustworthiness. Statistically significant differences were reported in the remaining domains and in the total score. Logistic regression analyses revealed that gender and grade were significant predictors of self-concept, although results varied for each dimension.