Age and sex differences in self-perception as related to ideal trait selections.

Self-perception differences of sixth- and twelfth-grade subjects were measured with the Tennessee Self Concept Scale, and the youngsters' choices of an ideal personality trait were studied. Findings indicate that some age and sex differences in self-regard are statistically significant and that both younger and older girls seem to perceive themselves more favorably than do boys of the same ages. Boys as a group tend to select competence, and girls virtue as the traits they most admire, but the choice of an ideal personality characteristic apparently is unrelated to one's level of self-esteem.