Thornton B, Ryckman R M
Department of Psychology, University of Southern Maine, Portland 04103.
J Adolesc. 1991 Mar;14(1):85-98. doi: 10.1016/0140-1971(91)90047-u.
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.
