Gender Differences in Anger and Self-esteem in School Children

Abstract

The present study aims to ascertain the relationship between anger and self-esteem of school boys and girls. It was hypothesized that there is likely to be a relationship between anger and self-esteem. It was also hypothesized that boys and girls will likely to differ with respect to anger and self-esteem. Asample of 200 school boys (n=100) and girls (n=100) within the age range of 13-19 years (M=15 and SD=.90) were recruited from private English medium schools in Lahore. Convenientsamplingtechnique was usedtoselectsample. Demographic Questionnaire, State Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI; Speilberger, 1997) and Offer Self Image Questionnaire for Adolescents- Revised (OSIQ-R; Offer et al., 1992) were administered to assess anger and self-esteem respectively. Pearson Product Moment Correlation revealed that subscales of anger had significant positive relationship with self-esteem i.e. morals, family relations, mastery, vocational and educational goals, superior adjustment and Idealism. Moreover, state anger, anger-in, anger-out and trait anger reaction had negative relationship with body image. Likewise state anger, trait anger and anger-in have negative relationship with social relations subscale of self-esteem. Furthermore, trait anger, trait anger temperament and anger-out had negative relationship with sexual attitude. t-test revealed that girls expressed more concern over body image and sexual attitude while boys had high scores in morals and family relationships. While no gender differences were found with respect to different domains of anger. This study will enhance awareness regarding devising counseling programs for anger management and self-esteem enhancement of school student.