Relationship between physical attractiveness, physical effectiveness, and self-esteem: a cross-sectional analysis among adolescents.
In the present study, the relative contributions of physical attractiveness and physical effectiveness to the self-esteem were examined among four different grade-levels of adolescents (mean ages; 12.5, 14.6, 16.3, 18.3 years old). Overall, both attractiveness and effectiveness were significantly related to the self-esteem of males and females. In contrast to previous research, attractiveness and effectiveness did not appear to be differentially important to the self-esteem of males and females and consistent patterns were evident across the different grade-levels. These results are believed to reflect changes occurring in sex-role expectations and socialization.
Thornton
B
B
Department of Psychology, University of Southern Maine, Portland 04103.
Ryckman
R M
RM
D000293:Adolescent; D001504:Beauty; D001828:Body Image; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010553:Personality Development; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D012928:Social Desirability