Self-esteem and optimism in rural youth: gender differences.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and describe gender-related differences in the self-esteem and optimism levels of rural adolescents.


BACKGROUND
Self-esteem and optimism have been broadly examined and are associated with health-practices, social interaction, attachment, resiliency, and personal identity. Information describing the relationship of self-esteem and optimism as it relates to gender is limited.


METHODS
Using a cross-sectional survey design, students (N = 193) from three high-schools in rural Pennsylvania, USA completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Optimism Scale-Life Orientation Test-Revised as part of a National Institute of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research funded study.


RESULTS
Both instruments' mean scores were in the range of average for this population, with females scoring lower than males in both self-esteem (p < 0.0001) and optimism (p < 0.0001). The results of this study have nursing implications for evidenced based interventions that target self-esteem and optimism. Attention to self-esteem and optimism in female youth is recommended.
University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Kathryn R
KR
Puskar
Lisa Marie
LM
Bernardo
Dianxu
D
Ren
Tammy M
TM
Haley
Kirsti Hetager
KH
Tark
Joann
J
Switala
Linda
L
Siemon
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D009013:Morale; D009341:Negativism; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010414:Pennsylvania; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*