title: Body-esteem of pupils who attended single-sex versus mixed-sex schools: a cross-sectional study of intrasexual competition and peer victimization.
abstract: In intrasexual competition (competition for reproductive resources), bullying can be viewed as a tool to devalue competitors, gain a high status and a powerful, dominant position in the peer group which may lead to beneficial gains such as access to potential romantic partners. This study investigated the relationship between intrasexual competition, bullying victimization and body-esteem, in single-sex versus mixed-sex schools. 420 participants completed a body-esteem scale, a retrospective bullying questionnaire, and intrasexual competition scales. Our results showed that relational victimization was associated with low body-esteem for both females and males. Females in single-sex schools experienced higher intrasexual competition which in turn was associated with their body-esteem directly and indirectly via relational victimization. In males, intrasexual competition was indirectly associated with body-esteem via relational victimization. Interventions to improve body esteem may focus on reducing intrasexual competition and peer victimization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: Suzet Tanya
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Lereya
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: Suna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eryigit-Madzwamuse
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: Chanchala
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Patra
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: Joshua H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK. Electronic address: D.Wolke@warwick.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Dieter
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wolke
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D058445:Bullying / Q000523:psychology*; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Body-esteem; Intrasexual competition; Mixed-sex schools; Peer victimization; Single-sex schools