Self-esteem and self-presentation among the young as a function of age and gender

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of self-esteem on the tendency to convey a false impression to others by hiding one's feelings behind a facade. Utilizing a sample of youth (ages 8–19), a multiple regression analysis revealed that the lower the self-esteem, the greater the tendency to present a false front. In addition, other aspects of the self-concept, including vulnerability to criticism, self-consciousness, and the tendency to fantasize affect the tendency to present a false front. Furthermore, the nature of the self-esteem/ fabrication relationship is a joint function of age and gender. As age increases, the direct effect of self-esteem on fabrication loses statistical significance, but this loss occurs differently for boys and girls. For boys, the direct effect is significant in pre-adolescence (8–11), but not in early or late adolescence (12–14 and 15–19). For girls, the direct effect is significant in pre- and early adolescence (8–11 and 12–14), but not in late adolescence (15–19). Reasons for the differing patterns for boys and girls are discussed.